DICE-KKKKKKKKK!

He was certainly on his game Tuesday evening. Dice-K Matsuzaka went 6.2 strong innings allowing just two hits and striking out nine batters as the Red Sox took down the Oakland A's by the count of 2-1. Matsuzaka allowed a second inning homer to Oakland's Jack Cust, but the Red Sox starter wasn't going to let this one turn into an adventure and not allow his team a chance to rally.

Most impressive in Matsuzaka's performance was the fact that he did not issue a walk in the contest. Last week in Japan against this same Oakland team he gave up five walks and was constantly pitching out of trouble in a so-so performance during a Red Sox win. On Tuesday evening he was in complete control of his pitches using his fastball more effectively and challenging hitters. Jonathan Papelbon picked up a four-out save for his second of the season.

This is not an unlikely performance for Matsuzaka. Much heralded in his arrival to Boston last season after a successful career in Japan, Dice-K would toss the occassional gem. However, he would follow that up with an inconsistent performance. He managed 15 wins in 2007, but had an earned run average well north of 4.00. The Boston organization, as well as the entire Red Sox Nation will hope he's finding a more consistent stride in 2008.

The series continues and concludes this afternoon with the second starting pitching replay of the young season. Jon Lester will take the mound for the Red Sox with Rich Harden going for the A's. Lester was hit hard and Harden was masterful in an A's victory last week.

WAS HE SAFE AND WAS IT GONE?

The Red Sox tied the game in the fifth on a Jacoby Ellsbury RBI single. Kevin Youkilis scored on the play, but replays did not show a definative angle as to whether he was tagged or not by Oakland catcher Kurt Suzuki. The ball arrived in time, but Suzuki either tipped Youk's toe or he didn't. All I know is I'm not going to argue with the umpire's decision.

In the Sixth inning the umpires got caught in another questionable call. Jason Varitek unloaded on a Joe Blanton pitch to right field. The Ball appeared to hit above the yellow line for a two-run homer. However the umpires ruled the ball still in play. Youk scored on the play to give the Sox a one-run lead, but it probably should have been 3-1.

Oh well, time to take the win and move on to the next game. Hey, we'll get some calls and not get others. Let's hope we get more than not.