BOS 9, BAL 3: No Surprise, Sox Sweep Orioles

With another short but sweet start from Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Red Sox were able to whittle the magic number down to seven in the American League Wild Card race, thanks [...]

9/20: The Diceman goes up against B-more

GAME NOTES: Daisuke Matsuzaka takes the hill for the second time since his much-anticipated return. While his first start was impressive, it will be all for naught if he morphs back into his former self. Dice-K needs to continue attacking the strike zone if he hopes to contribute to the Sox in October. Berken has a 6.08 ERA. That is all.

Sox 2d round pick Alex Wilson shines

Alex Wilson was pitching against Texas in a 2007 tournament while at Winthrop University when he felt a “pop” in his right elbow.

The next thing he knew had a Tommy John operation to repair a torn ligament, which required 18 months of rehabilitation.

Wilson, who checks in at 6-1 and 204 pounds, transferred to Texas A&M where he rode the bench in 2008.

Surprisingly, the Cubs picked him in the 10th round of that year’s draft but he declined to sign – which may have been the Red Sox’ good fortune.