Papelbon gets second save

Photo: espn.com


Matsuazaka was definitely more "on the ball" in last night's game than he was in Tokyo. During his 6 2/3 innings on the mound he allowed only 2 hits and struck out 9 A's. Okajima came in for a shutout inning, followed by Papelbon, who recorded his second save this season. What would we do without him?

Fan favorite Jacoby Ellsbury got the ball rolling for the Sox when he singled to right to tie up the game, 1-1. Then the captain himself, Jason Varitek, secured the Sox's lead with an RBI double in the sixth (although there was dispute over whether it was a two-run homer).

RedSox.com reported that Matsuzaka made an effort to retrieve the ball after the final out, as it was his first win since his son was born (awwwwww).

Last night's game was also a biggie for Kevin Youkilis, who tied Steve Garvey's Major League record of playing 193 consecutive games at first base with no errors. Way to go, Youk!

FINAL SCORE: RED SOX 2, A's 1

Click here for the box score.

OPENING DAY 2008

Dice-K had a rough outting, but after Moss (playing for J.D. Drew) singled on a ground ball to right fielder Travis Buck in the 6th to bring Pedrioia and Manny home it looked like he might get the win.

Bottom of the 6th: Kyle Snyder replaced Matsuzaka on the mound. Bobby Crosby singled on a ground ball to Ellsbury, then Jack Hannahan homered to bring Crosby home. So much for Dice-K's win in Tokyo.

Bottom of the 7th: Javier Lopez replaced Snyder (gave up 2 hits, 2 runs)

Bottom of the 8th: Bryan Corey replaced Lopez

Top of the 9th: Moss homered on a fly ball to tie up the game, 4-4
Bottom of the 9th: Hideki Okajima preplaced Corey

Top of the 10th: Manny doubled on a fly ball, Papi and Julio Lugo scored to lead 6-4
Bottom of the 10th: Papelbon replaced Okajima; Barton scored for the A's


FINAL: RED SOX 6, A's 5