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.

4/2/08 - Jon Lester vs Rich Harden

by Dan C

Jon Lester will take the hill for the Red Sox following up an impressive pitching performance by fellow staffer Dice-K Matsuzaka. Matsuzaka allowed only 2 hits through 6 and 2/3 innings of work, walked none and stuck out 9 Athletics. He looked much sharper then his opening day start in Japan where he had control problems and had to pitch out of two bases loaded jam situations early on. Lester did not look bad in his start last week but served up a 3-run homer to Emil Brown that was be enough damage to hand him the loss.

For the Athletics, Rich Harden looks to repeat his strong opening performance in which he allowed 1 run on 3 hits over 6 innings of work. Harden, who missed the majority of the 2007 season due to injury, will be trying to surpass his win total of last year with tonight’s outing.

The key for both pitchers will be to throw strikes early on to establish the strike zone, not allowing hitters to sit back and wait for lower 90’s fastballs. Harden needs to mix in his curve, while Lester will showcase a strong changeup.