Daisuke Matsuzaka Lifts Red Sox Over Indians, Earns Amica Pitcher of the Week Honors

It was no secret the Red Sox needed Daisuke Matsuzaka to pitch a gem on Thursday. They were averaging slightly above two runs per game in their series with the Cleveland Indians and were on the verge of dropping three of four to the AL Central’s cellar dweller.

Matsuzaka delivered in a big way.

Now the de facto No. 5 starter since Josh Beckett’s and Clay Buchholz’s return from the disabled list, Matsuzaka looked like an ace. He threw eight masterful innings, allowing only one run, scattering five hits and striking out six. Matsuzaka also limited his walks — something he has struggled to do this season — issuing just two free passes. The right-hander had walked four or more in six previous starts, resulting in a 1-2 record for him and a 2-4 record for the Red Sox.

His ERA now stands at a season-low 3.96.

Matsuzaka’s eight innings matched a season-high, and his sterling outing could not have come at a better time for Boston, which is why he has earned this week’s Amica Pitcher of the Week honors. With a 10-game road trip beginning Friday — against the Yankees, no less — the Red Sox needed momentum off which to build.

Matsuzaka absolutely gave them that.