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October 21, 2007
BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Until this month, Daisuke Matsuzaka enjoyed a reputation as a terrific big game pitcher.
Now, after two subpar starts in his first postseason with the Red Sox, Matsuzaka gets a chance for the ultimate redemption. He'll pitch Game Seven Sunday night, with only the American League pennant on the line.
''I haven't seen him come up small in a huge game yet in his career,'' said Curt Schilling last night. ''I mean, all the games I've seen that he pitched in Japan, he hasn't been in a backs-against-the-wall, winner-go-home game here yet. I believe, based on his demeanor, he's going to do something special tomorrow.''
Matsuzaka struggled in Game Three, chased after 4 2/3 innings when he gave up six hits and four runs, and looked despondent after the loss, staring for a long time into his locker.
''Whether or not we had won or lost,'' said Matsuzaka, ''immediately following the game is a very important time period for me. Although I might have appeared very upset, I wasn't as upset as everybody thought.''
Matsuzaka watched Saturday night's Game Six with anticipation, knowing that he would be getting the ball if the Sox could force Game Seven.
''After the last few games,'' he said, ''I believed I was going to have a chance to throw again. My teammates kept insisting I would have another chance. So I'm going into it very excited.''
Matsuzaka has shone on the international stage, pitching in two Olympiads and the inaugural World Baseball Classic. But this will be different.
''I can't make a simple comparison to those other games,'' said Matsuzaka. ''But I just hope that I can pitch the same way as I did in those other opportunities.''
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