Dice-K’s Struggles Could Result In DL Stint While Offense Falls Silent in Red Sox Loss

Daisuke Matsuzaka‘s last start in Toronto was a great one, allowing just one earned run over 6.2 innings of work and giving some hope along with it that maybe he can revert to the Dice-K of 2008.  But it turned out to be false hope as Matsuzaka couldn’t get out of the second inning in Oakland giving up five earned runs on four hits while walking two and not fanning a batter en route to a 6-1 Red Sox loss.  He was replaced by Clayton Mortenson in the second inning with two runners on and no one out who turned in a fine long relief performance, giving up just two hits and one run over five innings.

To make matters worse Matsuzaka appears to be headed back to the DL with a stiff neck, something that was evident in his delivery last night when he couldn’t find the strike zone if he walked up and hand delivered the ball.

Adding to the misery of the game was the offense inabilities to get much going at the plate against the youngster Jarrod Parker.  For the second time this year Parker held the Red Sox to just one measly run on six hits.  He also became the first player in nearly a century to give up just one run in ten of his first fourteen starts.  This kid is going to be something special.

Dustin Pedroia went 2-for-4 with the lone RBI and Adrian Gonzalez extended his hitting streak to thirteen games with a single in the fourth inning. Aside from that, there weren’t a lot of highlights for the Red Sox, but there was one for a former Boston draftee, Josh Reddick.  The former Sox outfielder hit his second home run against his former team with a long shot in the first inning, finishing the game 1-for-3 with two RBI.  And to think both Andrew Bailey and Ryan Sweeney are on the DL.  Hmmmm.

Jon Lester takes the mound Tuesday night in an attempt to jumpstart the Red Sox back into the win column. He’ll be opposed by Bartolo “the wily veteran” Colon.