Masterson Strong Again in Win Over Royals

Justin Masterson was called up to start the second game of a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals, and in his second-career major league start, he dominated in a 2-1 Red Sox win. The Sox rookie pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits and three walks to go along with five strikeouts. The Sox scored all of their runs in the second inning, on a Julio Lugo sacrifice fly and an RBI double by Coco Crisp. Jonathan Papelbon pitched the ninth for his 13th save.

Sox Stud of the Game:

David Ortiz did not have an RBI or score a run, but the Sox slugger did finish with the only multi-hit effort. He went 2-4 to raise his season batting average to .253. Also of note is Royals 3B Alex Gordon, who finished 3-3 in the loss.

Diamond Dud of the Game:

Manny Ramirez did not have a good game in going 0-4. He did avoid wearing the Golden Sombrero (tagged to a player with a strikeout in every at bat) however, but still finished with three strikeouts on the night. He’s still hitting .292.

Other Notes:

• Both bullpens combined for 3.2 shutout innings.
• Gil Meche started for the Royals and went seven innings with two runs allowed and eight strikeouts. Tough luck for the 3-6 starter. At least he’s making $11 million.

Tags: Coco Crisp, David Ortiz, Gil Meche, Julio Lugo, Justin Masterson, Kansas City Royals, Manny Ramirez, Red Sox

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