Through 22 May contests, the team is 17-5 and they now trail the Yankees by just a half-game for first place in the AL East — not bad for a team that couldn't reach the .500 mark until its 40th game of the season.
Since May 1, the lineup has come together and is hitting .284 with 26 homers and 104 RBIs to go with 108 runs scored. They now trail just the Indians for the best team batting average in the AL at .262. The pitching, although slightly depleted due to injuries to Daisuke Matsuzaka, John Lackey and Bobby Jenks, has stepped up with a pair of hurlers riding impressive streaks since the end of April.
Josh Beckett, who currently leads the AL with a 1.69 ERA, hasn't lost since his first start of the year and he's allowed just two earned runs in 30 innings (0.60 ERA) this month. Although he's only been able to pick up two wins in his last five starts, Beckett is holding opponents to a .204 BA.
Beckett isn't the only Sox hurler riding a hot streak as Clay Buchholz is 3-0 in five May starts, which include two shutout performances. In that span, the righty is putting up a 1.64 ERA and is keeping hitters at bay, holding them to a .195 BA.
Slugger Adrian Gonzalez is getting things done at the dish, as he now leads the AL with 42 RBIs. In 22 May contests, he's spanked eight homers, has driven in 27 RBIs and is checking in with a .370 BA. The first baseman is now hitting .340 on the season to go with a .959 OPS. Helping Gonzo get those RBIs has been leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury, who is batting .305 with 13 runs and a 11 swipes on the month.
Gonzo isn't the only slugger putting up big numbers as David Ortiz is enjoying a successful May, as well. Big Papi, known for his relatively slow starts, is hitting .337 with seven homers this month. He's struck out just nine times, has had four three-hit games and has a 1.048 OPS in 86 at-bats.
Not to be forgotten is Kevin Youkilis, who is quietly tearing the ball apart. Youk is batting .333 with a 1.000 OPS to go with three home runs and 17 RBIs in 75 at-bats. He's registered at least one hit in 16 of 20 May games.
Which Red Sox player's improved play Has been biggest reason for the team's successful month of May?online surveys
