Garrett Atkins and Kaz Matsui both go 3-5 from the plate as the Rockies beat the Red Sox 7-1, giving Josh Beckett his first loss since September 27, 2006. Atkins hit a grand slam in the third inning, which gave the Rockies a 5-0 lead and Atkins his fifth homer on the season; he also had a single and a double.

Last season, Atkins hit .329 with 29 homeruns. So far this year, he’s been struggling, and Rockies fans have been questioning whether or not Atkins was worth playing. So far in June, however, Atkins has had a resurgence, batting .342 (13-for-38) and knocking out two home runs, five doubles, and nine RBIs in 11 games, bringing his season average to .242.

“He’s a good hitter,” Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. “For two seasons, all we did was throw him praise. Then six weeks into this season, you’ve got some people throwing dirt on him.”

J.D. Drew, who’s also been struggling this season, was moved from the fifth spot to lead-off in hopes of sparking some offense in the struggling 31 year-old. Unfortunately for Red Sox fans, J.D. hit nothing but air, going 0-5 in the game with one strikeout.

Tonight’s win brings Colorado to an even .500 (33-33, 16-17 home) heading into their next series against Tampa Bay (29-35, 12-16 away) at home.

The loss to the Rockies isn’t Boston’s biggest worry, though. Over the last 14 games, Boston has dropped nine to Colorado (2), Arizona (1), Oakland (3), NYY (2), and Cleveland (1), resulting in a lead of only 7 ½ games over the Yankees in the AL east. Tomorrow, the Red Sox begin a series at home against the Giants (30-35), so it’s a good chance for them to regain their lead.