Bodog Beat

Kevin Youkilis and the Boston Red Sox have forced a game seven. (AP Image)

After nearly falling in five games to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Boston Red Sox have forced a series-deciding seventh game.

When a struggling Jason Varitek hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, Boston broke free of a 2-2 tie and never looked back, ultimately finishing on top 4-2.

Registering the win and allowing four hits in just five innings was Josh Beckett, the Red Sox starter who continues to come up short in reliving his playoff heroics of last season.

On the mound for the Rays was James Shields who allowed nine runs in five and 2/3 innings.

Impressive yet again for Tampa, though in a losing cause, was 24-year-old centerfielder B.J. Upton who hit his seventh home run of the postseason.

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