Dice-K shuts 'em down!

Thank Zeus that Matsuzaka stopped the bleeding last night and the Sox actually won a close game. They win those at Fenway and lose them all on the road. I thought it was going to be a long night after Dice-K loaded the bases with two outs in the first by allowing a walk, a single, and another walk. But he settled down nicely, pitching into the 8th. I can't remember the last time that happened. I hope he's finally found his control. It makes me wonder if home plate is wider in Japan.

Then Okajimer (as Jerry Remy calls him) got in on the act preserving the shutout until Papelbon got in there to close. Jonathan redeemed himself from his last appearance against the Yankees by earning his 26th save. You have to like his mental toughness.

In an interesting move, the Sox will be placing Justin Masterson in the bullpen as Clay Buchholz prepares to re-enter the rotation. Masterson will first go down to Pawtucket. It's a smart move that doesn't require the Red Sox to make any trades to help their bullpen issues. They may still try to get someone else, but this is a good maneuver. You can't have too many arms down the stretch.