Matsuzaka Becomes Eight-game Winner
Boston Red Sox player Daisuke Matsuzaka has won eight straight games.
The 28-year-old Japanese pitcher gave up three earned runs on six hits leading Boston to an 11-8 victory over the Kansas City Royals, at Fenway Park in Boston.
Matsuzaka struck out seven and allowed six walks to became a hardcore pitcher with a 2.40 ERA, winning eight straight games. This increases the possibility that he might become the first Asian pitcher to win 20 games.
The Red Sox right-hander is the only one who has been unbeaten among major league pitchers who have won more than five games. In the American League, Matsuzaka ranked first in the number of games won, fourth in terms of ERA, and ninth in terms of strike-outs (53).
The Boston Red Sox made the fans wild with enthusiasm as it had a pair of grand slams by J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell.
Matsuzaka did not have a good start. After allowing a walk and some wild pitching, Matsuzaka allowed Jose Guillen an earned-run with two on base and two outs in the first inning.
However, as Bostons hitters Manny Ramirez, Lowell, and Kevin Youkills made hits, all of the three bases were loaded with no out. Drew hit a well-timed home run over the left field fence against Kansas City starter Brian Bannister, giving Boston four runs in the second inning.
After scoring one more run in the third inning, Bostons Julio Lugo hit a sacrifice fly with men on first and third and no outs. Dustin Pedroia drove in two runs in the sixth inning. Later in the sixth inning, Lowell hit a grand slam when all three bases were loaded.
The Boston hasnt lost four straight home games against the Kansas City, winning seven straight games.
The Associated Press reported that dirty plays in Minor League games would be experimentally judged via tapes this fall.
Jimmie Lee Solomon, MLBs executive vice president of baseball operations, has yet to release the official schedule but announced that he would suggest that the Arizona League, a minor league, introduce the system.
Even though Bud Selig, MLBs commissioner, is strongly opposed to the suggestion, citing delay of the game, he recently changed his stance. If the Major League Baseball Players Association and the Association of Major League Umpires support the suggestion, the Minor League may introduce a new system earlier than expected.
National Football League, National Basketball Association, and National Hockey League have already introduced the system.
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