Sox Beat Bluebirds Despite Matsuzaka Woes

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 13-10 in a game that was needlessly too close. They had a 10-1 lead, but Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has given up 20 runs in his last 23 2/3 innings (gulp!), imploded in the 6th inning, an inning that the Jays eventually scored 8 runs. But the bullpen, with the exception of Javy Lopez, quieted the fire and allowed the Sox to remain ahead. For good. Dustin Pedroia had another multiple hit game (3), Jacoby Ellsbury, batting leadoff, had two hits and another highlight reel catch in left-center, and Mike Lowell, doing such a great job batting fourth in the place of rehabbing Manny, had three safeties. It was a great night for the Red Sox offense.

Now, on to Daisuke. He pitched only 5 1/3 innings and gave up 7 runs on 10 hits. Troubling numbers. I hope Farrell, 'Tek and Daisuke can get this sorted out.....he was lucky to get the win. Paps pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 32nd save. Game two of the series is tonight at Fenway with a marquee pitching matchup. It will be Doc Halladay versus Josh Beckett, who will be gunning for his 17th win. Maybe this time we can score more than 2 or 3 runs for him. And yesterday's victory, coupled with another Yankee loss, increased the AL East lead to 7 games. But one more loss was the least of the Yankee worries, for Roger Clemens body seems to be letting him down. In addition to blisters on his feet, he experienced right elbow pain, pain severe enough for an MRI to be scheduled. The results have not been announced yet, but when they are, you'll read about them right here. And their best fielding firstbaseman, Andy Phillips, is out for the season with a broken bone in his wrist. It's because of this that I have to say that NOW is the time to clinch the division as early as possible in order for the team to rest the players, heal them and set up the rotation the exact right way.

We in Red Sox Nation should be happy and content, not sad and angry. It's just a matter of time. And with only two consistant pitchers in their 5 man rotation, I don't see the Yankees as more than a .500ish team. And that's just fine with me!

Have a great Tuesday (it IS Tuesday), and click on the title for more on Daisuke and what, if anything, might be wrong with him, from the Boston Herald's Steve Buckley. Must reading for any Sox fan. Thanks for stopping in, and please, I love to read and respond to your comments.