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.


I didn’t see the game, so I’m just going by the box score; but I have to say I’m encouraged by Dice-K’s outing. Serviceable, not world-beating; but (given Buchholz’ turnaround) all we need him to be is a good #4 the rest of the season. And he’s clearly a good #4 at the very least.
Also, given the fact that he’s just coming back after months out of action, it’s very likely that he will continue to improve. I’m starting to look forward to the playoffs, instead of crossing my fingers and hoping for a miracle.