Since he signed in late February for short money, the feeling all along with Bartolo Colon has been: What do the Red Sox have to lose? Last night, in his first major league start for the Sox, the pitcher and the ballclub learned they have something to gain.
Colon pitched well – not great, but encouragingly and was credited with the victory in the Red Sox’ 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The right-hander’s $1.2 million salary kicked in when the Sox purchased his contract from Triple-A Pawtucket before the game and while he can earn plenty more with incentive bonuses, the club found itself with a Cy Young winner from just three years ago pitching like a bona fide, good-enough-to-win starter. Colon worked five innings against the Royals, allowing two runs on six hits (all singles) and two walks, while striking out four. Relievers Craig Hansen, Javier Lopez, Manny Delcarmen and Mike Timlin (one inning, one hit, one walk, one run) preserved Colon’s effort.
Jacoby Ellsbury (3-for-4, walk, three runs, SB) led off the first inning with a homer for the Sox and Jason Varitek added a solo blast to lead the Sox offense. The victory was the sixth in a row for the AL East-leading Red Sox, who will attempt to close out the homestand this afternoon with a seven-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers and Royals. The Red Sox go for their 2nd straight series sweep this afternoon when Daisuke Matsuzaka (7-0) will opposes the Royals’ Brian Bannister (4-5).
Sox Notes: Clay Buchholz (torn fingernail) is scheduled to make a rehab start for Pawtucket on Sunday.
