MLB: Boston 4, Cleveland 2

BOSTON, May 29 (UPI) -- Josh Beckett (8-0) gave up three hits and two runs in seven innings Tuesday as the Boston Red Sox beat the Cleveland Indians, 4-2.

Beckett, who was making his first start since coming off the disabled list, struck out seven and walked one. He became the first Red Sox pitcher to win his first eight decisions in one season since Rich Garces in 2000.

Kevin Youkilis was 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBI to extend his career-best hit streak to 21 games for the Red Sox, who have won five in a row. Boston has the best record in the majors at 36-15.

Jason Varitek hit his fifth homer of the season.

Cleveland pitcher Jeremy Sowers (1-5) went 5 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and four runs.