BOSTON (AP) — Josh Beckett did exactly what he needed to satisfy the fired-up fans at Fenway Park.

Beckett pitched his best game of the season, striking out nine and scattering four hits over seven innings as the Red Sox shut out the Seattle Mariners 5-0 on Tuesday, extending Boston’s winning streak to five.

Beckett hit 93 mph on the first pitch he threw and struck out leadoff batter Dustin Ackley, quickly establishing he was well past his poor start of last week.

“I don’t think I was trying to make a statement,” Beckett said. “I don’t even know that I did. Location was key for me today, I just kept the ball down.”

The timing couldn’t have been better. Beckett lasted less than three innings in a start against Cleveland on Thursday, when he was booed off the mound after allowing seven runs on seven hits.

Beckett (3-4), who was also celebrating his 32nd birthday, was still going strong through seven innings.

Rich Hill and Alfredo Aceves pitched an inning each to complete the shutout, which capped a 5-1 homestand for the Red Sox.

David Ortiz hit his eighth homer and scored a run after putting down a surprise bunt to lead off the fifth inning. Mike Aviles hit a pair of doubles and drove in two runs for the Red Sox, who are one win shy of tying their longest winning streak of the season.

Notes — Retired knuckleballer Tim Wakefield threw out the ceremonial first pitch after the Red Sox honored him with a pregame ceremony for his 17 seasons in Boston. Wakefield’s No. 49 was also cut into the grass in center field .