BOSTON - The odds shoot up dramatically in favor of the hitter when he knows what’s coming and can sit on a pitch.

In the first inning, with a runner on first and two outs, Josh Beckett missed with two straight curveballs, running the count to 3 and 1 on Cliff Floyd. The veteran designated hitter knew what was coming next — a fastball.

Floyd got the fastball and hit it hard, drilling a single to right. Fortunately for Beckett, he didn’t throw just a get-me-over fastball down the middle. He kept it on the outer half, so Floyd wasn’t able to get under the ball and drive it for more than a single.

Knowing what’s coming, though, isn’t a guarantee of success. The next batter was rookie Evan Longoria. Beckett missed with his first three pitches, making it a 3-and-0 count.

Longoria knew a fastball would be coming. And he got the pitch he was looking for, but he was too anxious, swinging at a fastball that may have been a strike, but wasn’t a great pitch to drive. Longoria got underneath the ball and flied out medium left-center, ending the threat.

skrasner@projo.com