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.)