Game 3 - Red Sox
Red Sox 2, A's 1
Record: 2-1
The Sox continue to play games that matter, and my disconnected and vaguely unsatisfying experience with those contests continues apace. I caught the first three innings of this one, so I missed all the really good stuff, save for Daisuke Matsuzaka's splendid performance.
Of note, the reports of Jonathan Papelbon's demise seem quite premature, as he retired all four batters he faced and struck out the side in the bottom of the 9th. Kevin Youkilis tripled, went 3 for 4, and scored both Boston runs. And Jason Varitek(!) had two hits, including a double that should have been ruled a homerun. (That sentence is the textual equivalent of Macauley Culkin's Home Alone hands-to-face gesture of shocked amazement.)
It was Matsuzaka's performance, though, that was the best news of the season's early going. He allowed only two Oakland baserunners in 6 2/3 innings, striking out 9 and - most promisingly - walking none. If we can chalk his scuffles in the overseas opener up to hometown nerves and he can consistently deliver like he did last night, well, the froggy ass-bumping will be celebratory.
Afternoon baseball from Oakland today, which means I'll get to a) follow along via ESPN.com, b) listen on XM Radio on my drive home, and c) catch the final inning or two on NESN when I get home. As it has been, so shall it continue to be.
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