Cardinals Roll Over Dice-K, Red Sox

Physically, Daisuke Matsuzaka appeared to be OK in his first start off the disabled list. He had no recurring pain from his dead arm or previous injuries, and he was ready to dominate again. But, a funny thing happened on his way out of the game. Dice-K departed the mound and game in the second inning after allowing four runs in the first and leaving the bases loaded in the second.

Enter rookie Chris Smith, who was making his major league debut. He struck out Rick Ankiel on three straight beautiful changeups. Then…the wheels came off the bus. Smith allowed a second-inning grand slam to Troy Glaus (who tends to destroy the Red Sox) and just like that the game was over and it was 8-0. Dice-K’s final line (1+IP, 6 H, 7 R, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR) was the worst in his brief major league career.

Sox Stud of the Game:

In a game of mostly Duds, the Sox Stud of June stood tall again, jacking a HR in four ABs. J.D. Drew now has 10 HRs in June. It’s amazing when you match that number against last year’s 11-HR total. I’m calling it right now: I guarantee he’s an all-star unless he has a monumental fall from grace.

Diamond Dud of the Game:

Daisuke Matsuzaka. I mean, he gave the Sox absolutely no chance to win and you wonder if he’s still injured. I’m willing to call it rust, but we will all be closely watching his next start. In Saturday’s game, Dice-K threw 48 pitches, with just 50% (24) for strikes.

Game Notes:

• Mike Timlin was placed on the 15-day DL before the game with tendinitis in his left knee.
• This was the first series the Sox lost at home since an April series against the L.A. Angels.

Tags: Chris Smith, Daisuke Matsuzaka, J.D. Drew, Red Sox, Rick Ankiel, St. Louis Cardinals, Troy Glaus

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