Beckett finished with seven complete innings of work and allowed only two hits and a single run while fanning 10 batters, and he looked every bit the pitcher that won 20 games in 2007 and led his team to a World Series title with a Cy Young-worthy season. The 10 K's were the most for a Sox pitcher on opening day since Pedro Martinez fanned 11 at Seattle on April 4, 2000.

"A healthy Beckett ... we've got a long way to go, but watching the way he's throwing is big," manager Terry Francona said. "If you run good pitching out there, you give yourself a chance every night."

The Sox ace even had to tone things down entering an opening-day start at a sold-out Fenway Park, and he liberally mixed in a biting curveball and effective changeup with his exploding mid-90s fastball.

"I had a lot of adrenalin," Beckett said. "I think (catcher Jason Varitek) and I worked well together, and there wasn't any point when I was scared to throw any of my pitches."

RED SOX 5, RAYS 3: Josh Beckett charged right out of the gate and fanned two batters in the first inning en route to a strong seven innings of work. The 28-year-old ace allowed only a single run and two hits, and he fanned 10 Rays hitters, while Dustin Pedroia and Jason Varitek led a well-balanced offensive attack with solo home runs.