By Sean McAdam
CSNNE.com Red Sox InsiderFollow @sean_mcadam
BALTIOMRE -- Josh Beckett and Jon Lester were supposed to represent one of the Red Sox' strengths in September, and, they hoped, October, too.
But it hasn't turned out that way.
Beckett lost to the Baltimore Orioles for the second time in the last week Monday, knocked around for six runs in six innings. That outing came five days after he couldn't hold a 4-1 lead last week at Fenway, and lost that one, too.
"You can't be (crappy) when your team needs you," said Beckett. "It's tough, but that's the way it is."
In nine games started by Beckett and Lester this month, the two are 2-5 with an ERA of 5.73. The Sox have lost five of their last six starts.
"I couldn't make pitches when I needed to," said Beckett. "We've got to win games and we're not going to do it when the starting pitcher gives up six runs."
Boston Red Sox
Beckett has a 7.03 ERA against Baltimore this season despite the fact that the Orioles are in last place in the American League East.
"I guess it comes down to making pitches," said Beckett. "I know in my last two, it comes down to making those pitches when I need to. You can't leave the changeup (to Chris Davis for a double) or the pitch to (Robert) Andino (who hit a three-run inside-the-park homer.
Beckett had to work with Jarrod Saltalamacchia for the first time this season after Jasin Varitek was scratched before the game, unable to go because of a sore knee.
Beckett said he and Saltalamacchia worked fine together. He also said his right ankle, which caused him to miss a start earlier this month, has not been an issue since he returned.
Sean McAdam can be reached at smcadam@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sean on Twitter at http:twitter.comsean_mcadam