Anthony Swarzak put together a decent start, allowing 3 runs through 6 innings, but the offense couldn't get much going against Josh Beckett on Thursday. Jason Varitek's 2 solo homers against Swarzak and a close play on a sacrifice fly in the seventh were enough for Boston to win this one.

Beckett struck out the first 4 batters he faced, before Joe Crede hit his 9th home run of the season. Crede had just returned from missing 3 games with a bruised hand. The Twins ended up with just 5 hits and struck out 10 times on the day.

In the seventh inning, with the Red Sox leading 2-1 and a runner on 3rd base, Dustin Pedroia hit a sacrifice fly to Michael Cuddyer in right. Cuddyer's throw was perfect and Mike Redmond's tag met base runner Jeff Bailey's hand at the plate almost simultaneously. The runner was called safe. Redmond popped up quickly to argue the call and just as quickly was thrown out of the game.

Redmond was pretty angry and got close to home plate umpire Todd Tichenor, but never made contact. The ejection seemed to come way quicker than it should of. Ron Gardenhire was ejected moments later for arguing the ejection of Redmond. Joe Mauer, who was the DH, had to be moved to C, causing the Twins to forfeit the DH for the remainder of the game. It was all bullpen work from that point on, so it didn't have much of an impact. No pitcher had to bat.

The Twins are in Tampa Bay for a 3-game series this weekend againt the World Series runner ups. The Rays have not had such a magical year and are on a 5-game losing streak right now. Scott Baker will get the start tonight against James Shields.