Beckett, Lackey Grab 15 Wins

Red Sox righty Josh Beckett became the first pitcher with 15 wins last night against Baltimore, and led the major leagues until Angels ace John Lackey joined him a few hours later. Beckett nearly endured the entire contest at Camden Yards, replaced only for the final out after he gave up his first two runs 2/3 through the 9th. Beckett left the 6-2 win with 8 hits and as many strikeouts, and Jonathan Papelbon got the easy save.

Lackey, meanwhile, got his milestone win at home, pitching a slightly messier eight innings in what would be a 4-3 victory over the Twins. Lackey trailed Minnesota righty Carlos Silva, who had a brilliant two-hitter entering the eighth, when unlikely slugger Macier Itzuris hit his third homer in 11 at bats, a two-run shot to put Anaheim on top. Lackey logged 10 hits, but got the win in the series opener. (More John Lackey stories.)