Dice-K Turns Out The Lights Again

Another Dice-K start, another one-hit shutout.

Yep, the Japanese righthander went eight innings against the Angels last night, allowing just one hit. He was aggressive, struck out nine and walked three. He was never in any serious trouble. He became the first Sox pitcher to throw back-to-back one hit shutouts of seven innings or more since Pedro Martinez did it in 2002.

Well, put that trade of "a used ball bag and a couple of broken bats" on hold for now. Let's see if Dice-K can keep this going.

The starting pitching has been nothing but superb over this 7-1 stretch. They are 6-1 with a lights out 1.01 ERA.

Carl Crawford had two hits and an RBI, and is hitting the ball much better now. Even Jason Varitek (who also caught Matsuzaka's last start) got into the act, doubling in a run and breaking a hideous 1-for-25 slump.

The Red Sox, now 9-11, go for the sweep on this Easter Sunday as John Lackey faces his former teammates.