We're under way

Riding a dominant performance by Josh Beckett and home runs by injured World Baseball Classic participant Dustin Pedroia and has-been Jason Varitek, the Sox beat the Rays 5-3 today, forcing a ninth game of the ALCS.

OK, I know 2008 is over.

I'm pleased with the first effort of 2009. Beckett pitched really well - one run, two hits, three walks with 10 strikeouts over seven innings on just 93 pitches. Hideki Okajima got hit (two runs in a third of an inning), but Justin Masterson and Jonathan Papelbon picked him up.

It was good to see the offense clicking (everyone except for Jacoby Ellsbury had a hit). I know not to overreact to the season's first game, but I like that most of our injury-related question marks seemed to pull through. Magic number = 162.

Phillies: Jamie Moyer, starting his 23rd big-league season, wasn't so hot against the Braves tonight. He gave up four runs in five innings. Christine is not happy.

Observationally: Myphl17, the Phillies other channel this year when they're not on Comcast SportsNet, keeps showing incessant fan shots, as if this is the first time anyone has seen Citizens Bank Park. ... Gary Matthews was all bundled up with a sweater, fleece and jacket but no hat. Sarge is known for hats and wears them throughout the summer. With a new line of hats coming out, he really botched a perfect marketing opportunity. ... I hate Wheels. After Raul Ibanez got thrown out at third in the 2nd inning, Chris Wheeler spent the next two batters ripping the shortstop for throwing to third because something bad might have happened.