Good news…The old Daisuke Matsuzaka is back and J.D Drew has resumed his torrid hitting in June and first place is safe for now. After getting absolutely pummeled in his return start from the disabled list last Saturday, Matsuzaka returned to his pre-injury form and pitched five shutout innings, while combining with four relievers on a four-hitter, leading the Red Sox to a 6-1 victory over the Houston Astros last night at Minute Maid Park.
Drew, who had been hitless in his previous three games following an incredible first three weeks to the month, snapped an 0-for-14 drought by slamming a three-run homer off Runelvys Hernandez in the third inning, providing Matsuzaka (9-1) and Co. more than enough support. Kevin Youkilis established a career high with four hits to pace a 12-hit assault on six Houston hurlers.
Matsuzaka surrendered only two hits, while striking out four and walking three. The combined effort with relievers Craig Hansen, Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima and Jonathan Paplebon (24th save) lowered the Sox’ staff ERA in the past five games to a sparkling 1.84. Their bullpen, meanwhile, extended its scoreless streak to 12 2/3 innings before Okajima surrendered a pinch-hit homer to Reggie Abercrombie in the eighth, ending the staff’s 22 scoreless innings streak and bid for a league-leading ninth shutout.
Nation Notes: Coco Crisp had his suspension reduced from seven games to five by Major League Baseball. Crisp will begin serving his suspension tonight and will miss the last two games of the Astros series and the scheduled three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays, beginning Monday in St. Petersburg, Fla. Portland pitcher Michael Bowden figured to be a leading contender for Team USA, which will represent the United States in the Olympics, but was not picked, suggesting that perhaps the Sox have other plans for him.
