The Diamondbacks have one of the worst pitching staffs in the league, and it showed tonight. Despite losing starting shortstop and leadoff man Marco Scutaro for the day, the Red Sox got to Diamondbacks starter and former Yankee prospect Ian Kennedy for six runs--more than enough to take the opening game of the series.
Dustin Pedroia was a sparkplug for the offense, reaching base and scoring three times. He was on base when, after Clay Buchholz gave up a run in the first, David Ortiz put the Red Sox on top with a two run shot to right-center. Pedroia doubled in Mike Cameron and scored again in the third on a Victor Martinez infield single, and one more time in the fifth on a Kevin Youkilis double. While J.D. Drew wasn't part of the scoring, he did chip in two single past his shortstop brother, Stephen.
Aside from some trouble in the fourth inning, Clay Buchholz was sharp in his outing. He threw 65% of his 113 pitches for strikes, and recorded eight strikeouts and six groundouts. A high pitch count, inflated by long first and fourth innings, knocked him out with only two outs in the sixth. But he held a good offense in check and kept the ball out of play.
The bullpen had a surprisingly good night, allowing only one hit in over three innings of work (a double off Okajima). Otherwise, Delcarmen, Bard, and Papelbon all had spotless outings of relief in sealing the win.
Jon Lester takes the mound tomorrow against Rodrigo Lopez, hoping to rebound from a disappointing six-run start against the Indians.