Daisuke Matsuzaka Impressive in Return

After pitching very well last season, the 2009 baseball season has been a struggle for Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. On Tuesday, the native of Japan took a big step toward salvaging his campaign.

In his first start since June 19th, Matsuzaka pitched six scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He gave up three hits, three walks and struck out five. He was able pick up his second win of the season and lowered his ERA from 8.23 to 7.02.

Thanks to Matsuzaka’s effort on the mound, the Red Sox topped the Angels by a final count of 4-1. David Ortiz hit a one-run single in the sixth and then smashed a solo homer in the eighth.

If Matsuzaka can return to his All-Star form, the Red Sox will have a much better chance of having success in the playoffs. As it is, the team’s starting pitching may be too inconsistent to make too much noise.

Daisuke Matsuzaka - Boston Red Sox (Image: Zuma Press)