I don't think anyone knew what to expect from Daisuke Matsuzaka. But even the most child-like pink-hat optimist in Red Sox Nation wouldn't have expected the quality outing Matsuzaka registered last night in Fenway Park.
6 scoreless innings, only 3 hits allowed, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. He had a no-hitter through 4 innings. If he can pitch at or near this level down the stretch, the Sox rotation has the potential to be the best foursome in baseball. Beckett-Lester-Buchholz-Matsuzaka at their best is a ridiculous playoff rotation. Granted, there's that "at their best" stipulation, and Matsuzaka, Buchholz, and Beckett are known to have their ups and downs. But potential is all you need.
David Ortiz's homer in the 8th set a new record for homeruns as a DH (270) It's a record you kind of want to keep quiet, like Joaquin Phoenix's character's minor league homerun record in Signs.
Frank Thomas hit 269 homeruns as a DH, but he also hit 250 as a first baseman. Slightly more impressive.
Paul Byrd opposes Joe Saunders Wednesday night.
Source:
ESPN.com
Baseball-Reference.com
Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Michael Dwyer
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