Boston Red Sox defeat Tampa Bay Rays, 3-1

Tim Wakefield may be on one of those runs he's gone on a few times in his distinguished career, when he's virtually unhittable for a long stretch.

It's too early to tell whether this is Wakefield vintage 1995, when he started his Sox career with a 14-1 record in his first 17 starts (and a 1.65 ERA) after the Pirates released him. But yesterday's 3-1 victory over Tampa Bay, completing a sweep of the Devil Rays, was the third consecutive strong outing for Wakefield (2-0 w...

Knuckleball pitchers such as Hoyt Wilhelm, the Niekro brothers, and Charlie Hough had some excellent seasons when they neared, and even passed, age 40.

The Red Sox' Tim Wakefield, who turns 39 Aug. 2, hopes the same is true for him.

Yesterday Wakefield limited the Devil Rays to a run and four hits in six innings. He picked up his second win of the season and the Sox have won all three of his starts, two against the dreaded Yankees.

So far, Wakefield is pitching li...