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October 21, 2007
BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he didn't check with Daisuke Matsuzaka, tonight's Game Seven starter for Boston, when the right-hander arrived at the ballpark today, but the manager and the rest of the club has faith in him.
The Japanese import struggled in his two other postseason starts against the Angels in the ALDS and the Indians in Game Three of this series. Now, with a World Series berth on the line, the Red Sox will give him the ball.
"Daisuke is very excited about pitching and we're excited for him," said Francona. His teammates legitimately wanted to give him another crack. It honestly means a lot to us to play another game tonight and try to win."
Following Game Five in Cleveland, Matsuzaka sat at his locker in the clubhouse in disgust due to his brief 4 2/3 innings of work where he allowed four runs on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts. He didn't talk with the local, national or even the Japanese media, only releasing a statement that said he was disappointed.
"Daisuke is taking this kind of personally," said Francona. "He wants to do something to help our cause."
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 5:53 PM | Permalink
