Master of His Domain

The farmhands keep contributing as Justin Masterson got the call Tuesday night and came through with an impressive performance for his first Major League victory.

Masterson gave up just 1 run on 3 hits, striking out 5 and walking 3 in 6 1/3. The bullpen did a nice job and Papelbon came in to bail out Okajima from a bases-loaded jam in the 8th and then shut the door in the 9th.

It was Masterson's second emergency start of the season. He was very good against the Angels in April when he also only allowed 1 run in 6 innings, but he got a no-decision that night.

BOX SCORE: Red Sox 2, Royals 1

The continued development of the farm system and success of the young players has the Sox in a great position. It seems like every guy the Sox call up contributes, and the core of young players is now as important as the veterans.

Not much to talk about on offense Tuesday night, but the boys scratched out a couple of runs in the 2nd and that was god enough. Ortiz had two more hits as his average continues to climb.

Wednesday's game will be big - in more ways than one - as Batolo Colon tries to impress management and earn a spot on the squad.