Monday, June 09, 2008

Masterson Quietly Gets the Job Done

Justin Masterson proved once again why the Red Sox were reluctant to trade him in any Johan Santana deal, and won his third start in four tries (he really should have won his only no decision, as the bullpen let that one get away), as the Red Sox beat the Mariners, 2-1.

Masterson was again very effective, going six innings, allowing one run on three hits. Very quietly, without the hype going on in the Bronx with that guy who the Yankees won't let go six innings yet (I can't remember his name, but he allowed three runs in his 4+ innings stint against a weak Kansas City team yesterday).

J.D. Drew was the offensive star once again, as he got both RBI, one the hard way (got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded), and the easier way (home run to dead center to break the tie). Drew has picked up the slack in David Ortiz' absence, as he continued his hot hitting, and made another great running catch as well (pictured), off the bat of Richie Sexson in the second.

Masterson continues to show the poise of a veteran, as he got into trouble in the second (his only shaky inning), allowing one run on a DP the Red Sox just missed turning that would have ended the inning. With Daisuke Matsuzaka coming off the DL shortly, it will be interesting to see if Masterson gets any more starts. He certainly showed form his performance yesterday that he deserves to stay up a little longer.

The Red Sox have an off-day today before the Orioles come in for three games. The game on Tuesday night (as well as Thursday night) will have a 6:05 PM start due to the Celtics playoff game.

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