Two Down, Two To Go...Boston 7 Cleveland 2

By the title "two down, two to go," I meant that after another outstanding Daisuke Matsuzaka start Friday night, we've seen two of the four Boston Red Sox postseason starters excel. And with the bullpen the Red Sox have, the team COULD go far into the postseason, which begins in Anaheim probably on Thursday. In four starts since September 15th, Daisuke has gone 3-1 with a sparkling ERA of 2.22. We could not have wished for anything better. Last night was a good example. He went six full innings, giving up two runs on five hits, walking three and bafflingly whiffing seven. He was dominant. Here's what he said after game's end...

“Throughout those four starts I was able to work on points that I felt were going to be important going into the playoffs, and “I’m not sure yet what my role will be during the playoffs but I’m looking forward to them. The most important point was being able to battle with runners on base and I think that’s my real strength. Even in a jam, being able to make the pitch I need to make, and I was able to get a feel for that.”

Red Sox skipper Terry "Tito" Francona had praise for Boston's number three (four?) postseason starter...

“I think every game he’s pitched, it seems like his slider has become not only maybe more consistent but certainly (has) more depth to it,” manager Terry Francona said. “It’s the pitch that we’ve kind of become accustomed to enjoy to watch. It was a pretty good pitch.”

Wagner, Ramirez, Bard and Saito goose egged the helpless Indians into submission, making it two down, two to go for the Sox. What Red Sox Nation would like to see starting shortly after 7pm EDT tonight is a dominating start by Josh Beckett and another one on Sunday by Mr. Buchholz. They comprise the four man "wrecking crew" that could wreak havoc on opposing teams...all the way to the World Series and beyond.

Tonight, it'll be Josh Beckett facing Aaron Laffey. We need a vintage Beckett outing. He'll start game two after Jon Lester. For more Red Sox news and notes, simply click on this post's title. Have a great weekend and as always, BE WELL.