Having to wait for Daisuke Matsuzaka is a big reason why he’s hardly a fan favorite at Fenway Park. The nibbling, the pace, the runs allowed — it all adds to the frustration.
But maybe, finally, this is the Matsuzaka everyone has been waiting for.
Dice-K was dealing Monday night in Oakland, allowing one run on two hits — and most important, just two walks — over 6 2/3 innings in a 2-1 victory over the Athletics.
Over his last six starts, Matsuzaka is 3-1 with a 2.95 ERA. Against Oakland, Matsuzaka threw first-pitch strikes to 19 of 24 batters.
“This is the type of pitching that I really want to continue to do as the season goes on,” Matsuzaka said.
“I’ve got guys behind me that are all very capable — that we can trust with the ball. I want to become the guy that they can trust to keep me in the game.”
