Daisuke Matsuzaka’s first pitch to Nate McLouth only foreshadowed things to come.
McLouth took Matsuzaka deep on the very first pitch of the game and the Atlanta Braves whomped Boston’s starter for six runs on eight hits over four innings pitched. Matsuzaka walked a season high four batters and struck out two.
Kenshin Kawakami first inning against the Red Sox also foreshadowed his outing. Kawakami struck out Dustin Pedroia, J.D. Drew and Kevin Youkilis in the bottom of the first inning and went on to pitch six strong innings of two hit ball allowing just two runs.
He walked three and struck out five.
Jason Bay drove in Boston’s only runs in the sixth inning on a two-run homer, 18th of the season. Bay now has 65 RBI on the season with the two-run blast.
Goat of the Game – Dice-K
If he doesn’t get demoted after this start what will it take?
Next Game – 6/20 vs. Atlanta Braves – Derek Lowe/Josh Beckett
Derek Lowe back in Fenway sounds sweet to me.
