Justin Masterson's 2011 season, in which he has established himself as an elite starting pitcher, was nearly sabotaged.
Masterson did not win a single game during the months of May and June despite posting a sub-3.00 earned run average. But instead of complaining or pouting, Masterson simply continued to dominate opposing hitters.
On Thursday night at Fenway Park, the Indians decided it was time to reward their ace for his patience.
The Tribe collected 14 hits, scored 7 runs, and crushed the Red Sox to salvage a hard-earned series split.
The offensive barrage helped Masterson notch his 9th win. The big right-hander limited Boston's star-studded lineup to only 3 tallies in 6 solid frames. Masterson whiffed 9, including 4 in the 2nd inning. Those 4 strikeouts, made possible by a wild pitch, tied a major league record that is shared by several other hurlers.
Masterson was the feel-good story of the evening, but Carlos Santana stole the show. Cleveland's backstop had 3 hits, none more important than his 2-run homer to center field in the 6th that proved to be the eventual game-winning hit.
Travis Hafner and Kosuke Fukudome also collected 3 hits as the Indians battered Erik Bedard and the Boston bullpen. Bedard was making his Red Sox debut, and he allowed 3 runs in 5 innings to record a no-decision.
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| Emerging from the shadows: Masterson has quietly become the Tribe's ace |
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