I'll tell you this: if Daisuke Matsuzaka pitches well this season, the Red Sox are going to the World Series.
Dice-K started off the season rough, which included a trip to the disabled list, but Tuesday's start is certainly encouraging. Dice-K went five innings and surrendered just one run on six hits, walking three and striking out six. It's not the best start the Sox have seen this season, but this is definitely a good start.
The offense was provided from the top of the lineup -- the new lineup. Jason Bay hit a two-run home run and Dustin Pedroia, J.D. Drew and Kevin Youkilis each scored. Drew, Jason Varitek and Jacoby Ellsbury each had two hits.
The bullpen, once again, was great. Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima and Ramon Ramirez combined for three hitless innings. Jonathan Papelbon worked the ninth and gave up three hits -- but also struck out three. That's been Paps' rap this season.
This is a really good win for the Sox. They had a great outing from their starter, the bullpen was good -- like always, the defense was errorless and the offense showed up for the most part. While the Sox didn't mash the cover off the ball, I'll take five runs, for sure.
Series continues Wednesday with Josh Beckett v. Armando Galarraga.