Master-Ful

The Red Sox have been hit pretty hard with the flu. Both Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka missed starts due to the illness. Captain Jason Varitek also missed playing time. Filling in Beckett's start was David Pauley, best known for his stellar start at Yankee Stadium in 2006. Pauley gave up 5 runs through 4.1 innings, but that was enough to keep the Sox in the game.

Daisuke Matsuzaka was scheduled to pitch the next day, but was also scratched with the flu. Jon Lester pitched on 3 days rest for the first time in his career, and gave up 4 through 5 innings. The bullpen and the bats couldn't get it going, and the Sox win streak was snapped.

Filling in Lester's spot today was Justin Masterson, making his major league debut. Masterson went 6 innings, giving up one run, two hits, and four walks while fanning 4. This bodes well for the Sox, as it never hurts to have too many effective young relievers. Unfortunately for Masterson, the bullpen could not hold the lead. He'll have to wait until his next start to get a chance at a win.

4/01/08 Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. Joe Blanton

In a repeat of the true season opener in Japan on Wednesday, the Sox and A's kick off the "domestic" version tonight at the McAffee Coliseum. Daisuke started off the previous game looking lost, but gained confidence (and more importantly, control) as the game went on. Blanton seemed just the opposite, throwing 5 dominant innings only to give up 3 in the sixth. Huston Street started an opening day closer implosion trend, followed by Tom Gordon, Eric Gagne, and Kerry Wood. While he did not outright lost his role as closer, he's likely on thin ice after blowing an opportunity on Wednesday.

JD Drew should be back in the lineup, no word yet on Coco vs Ellsbury in center. Bobby Kielty is likely to start 2008 in the minors, expected to be a bench option if any injuries occur.