It came one start too late, but Josh Beckett (3-4) began to make amends with Red Sox fans Tuesday by hurling seven strong innings without allowing a run in Boston’s 5-0 win over the Mariners at Fenway Park.
It was the Red Sox’s fifth straight victory as they improved to 17-19 on the season and 9-11 at Fenway.
Beckett, who was shelled last Thursday against Cleveland, allowed just four hits yesterday and struck out nine batters on his 32nd birthday.
David Ortiz got Boston on the board in the third inning with a solo shot to right. Mike Aviles had a pair of RBIs for the Red Sox as Boston did most of its damage in the middle innings.
Seattle fell to 16-22 overall in 2012.
Prior to the game, newly retired Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield threw out the first pitch as the club honored his 17 years in Boston. His No. 49 was cut into the grass in center field.
