Daisuke Matsuzaka went five innings only allowing two hits while striking out for to improve to 9-1 on the season with a little help from a J.D. Drew three run homer in the third inning.
Dustin Pedroia added to the score in the seventh with an RBI single giving Boston a 4-0 lead and they never looked back as Jonathan Papelbon closed the door over 1 1/3 innings pitched for his 24th save of the season.
Star of the Game: Dice-K
A solid outing from the Japanese star who pitched better than he did in his first start since coming back off the DL.
Next Game: Lester vs Backe
The offense seems to be cruising a little here so Lester just needs a solid six inning effort and leave it up to the bullpen who have been much better as of late.
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Hopefully they can string together consecutive solid starts. That would be rather nice. I like the way the offense is playing right now. It is scary to think that Ortiz is going to come back and falter a little then probably tear it up in the playoffs again.
It is almost impossible for pitchers to remain consistent game after game, and Jon Lester and Josh Becket have had a string of solid games. What if they continue with strong road outings here and NYY? And get two more wins to start the second half’s easier, breezier schedule? Wow! Ironically, today we root for both Johann and Jon. Give ‘em your best shots. You too Jacoby, Jed and Brandon.
Well, so much for Johann and Jon, and MDC and Aardsma and Hansen. They started so well. Where was Lopez or Smith for the 7th instead of Aardsma? It’s tough not having Oki available. Time for Street, Marte, Fuentes, Sherill?