Game 1

Josh Beckett pitched the most dominating game in Red Sox post season history tonight. Some might argue this is a ridiculous statement, as Red Sox post season history is over 100 years old and I definately didn't see all those games. To steal a line from Jon Stewart in his book "America", those people are communists. Josh Beckeet pitched the most dominating game in Red Sox post season history.

9 innings, 4 hits, 8 strikeouts, no runs, no walks. The numbers don't do the performance justice. Beckett was unhittable. The outcome of the game was never in question. I don't remember a single Angel reaching second base. After allowing a lead off hit to start the game, he retired 19 straight and made them all look like fools. People were swinging and missing by several feet. It was glorious. I was reminded of vintage Pedro, but on a bigger stage. In fact, the only Red Sox post season performance that rivals this is Pedro coming out in relief in game 5 of the 1999 ALDS and pitching 6 perfect innings to beat the Indians. Yet, Pedro only retired 18 straight in that effort.

But alas. It's only 1 game. Only 1 win. One October win is pretty much as meaningless as zero October wins. Diasuke Matsuzaka takes the hill Friday in game two against Kelvim Escobar. Keep it up gentlemen. 1 win, 10 to go.

Complete Game

Diasuke pitched a complete game, allowing only 1 run in the series opener against the defending American League Champs. The best part was his reaction afterwards. He showed little to no emotion or excitement or anything. Just went to shake Varitek's hand. I mean, everyone else in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was pumped, but it just seemed like another day in the office for Matsuzaka. He expects to pitch that well everytime out.

It kind of reminded me of Pedro. I'm not saying Diasuke was as dominant as Pedro, cause he wasn't. But Pedro would pitch a complete game shut out, striking out 16, and only give up 1 hit and shrug it off like it were nothing. He was always cool and collective afterwards. "Yeah. So what? I'm Pedro Martinez. I'm suppose to pitch that well. In fact, I'm kinda mad about that one hit I allowed. Maybe next game I'll bean that guy..."

I like the confidence.

The game was actually really close. It was 3-1 going into the eighth, but the Sox broke it wide open in the home half. Julio Lugo hit a triple with the bases loaded and Youkilous followed with a base hit to knock Lugo in.

So yeah, all around a good night. Beat the defending Champs, got the first complete game of the year, offense put the game out of reach in the ninth. Plus, the Sox chased Robertson early. He only pitched till the fifth. The Sox bullpen's well rested for the remainder of the series. Can't say the same about Detriot.

Can't wait for game two.