Beckett on the mound as Sox-Yankees series continues

NEW YORK -- Josh Beckett pitches for the Red Sox tonight against the Yankees' Roger Clemens as Boston looks to stretch its American League East lead back to 8 games.

The Red Sox lost the opening game of the series last night 5-3.

Boston was victimized by old friend Johnny Damon, who snapped a 3-3 tie with a two-run homer in the seventh inning.

Damon is just 11-for-47 against his former team this season.

Beckett may be the pitcher the Red Sox want most on the mound tonight. He's 9-1 with a 1.90 ERA in 10 road starts, not allowing more than three runs in any of them and winning his last three.

The right-hander has the chance to become the first 17-game winner in the majors.

The Red Sox may be in need of a fill-in left fielder tonight against the Yankees.

Manny Ramirez left last night's game due to back spasms.

Ramirez was replaced in left by Bobby Kielty, who was removed in the eighth due to a sore lower back that has been bothering him for a while.

He plans to have X-rays today.

When asked if Ramirez could return after missing just one game, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz said "hopefully," but didn't think so.

Ramirez reached the 20-homer mark for the 13th straight season last night before leaving the game.

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