July 19, 2008
Matsuzaka throws CG Gem over Angels
Boston 3, Anaheim 0
Daisuke Matsuzaka continues to show the promise that made the Red Sox invest $100m for his services in November of 2006.
Against the Angels last night, he kept a potent, although struggling, lineup off balance for nine innings to earn his second shutout, and fifth complete game of the season.
"He's developing into a horse out there," catcher Jason Varitek said afterwards. "From this year to last, he really has come around and challenged hitters better and he's trying to be more economical in his pitch selection."
While he may be challenging hitters more, he's hardly economical in his approach. Matsuzaka's 114 pitches marked the seventh straight start that he has gone over the century mark. In fact, Matsuzaka has reached 100+ pitches in all but three of his twenty-two starts this season.
With Matsuzaka holding the Angels in check, the Sox struggled early against Jon Garland, managing just two base runners over the first four innings. In the fifth, though, Boston got on the board. With one out, Garland surrendered a one-out single to left to Julio Lugo. After stealing second, Lugo advanced to third on a ground-out by Coco Crisp. Kevin Youkilis followed Crisp with a two-run home run, his second in as many days.
Youkilis would score the third Red Sox run in the 8th when, after singling to lead off the inning, he scored on a Dustin Pedroia single to right field.
The victory was Matsuzaka's 13th, leaving him one behind the American League leader Joba Chamberlain of the New York Yankees.
W: Matzusaka (13-5) L: Garland (4-11)
Player of the Game: Daisuke Matsuzaka, (9 IP, 7 Hs, 2 BBs, 2 Ks, 114 PI)
Around the League:
...The Red Sox claimed MR Zach Miner off waivers from Detriot and assigned him to Pawtucket...Texas C Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 5-5 to lead the Rangers past the Twins 8-3...New York signed SP Andy Pettitte to 3-year contract extension worth $4.14m ($1.38/per)...