SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Terry Francona has two World Series titles in four years as the Boston Red Sox manager. Can't argue with that. But, dang, did Boston's pitch-count mantra screw up the major-league debut of Beavercreek's Justin Masterson.

Unless he was tired or hurt, why didn't Masterson get to go deeper into the game against the Angels on Thursday, April 24? Protect the young man? Forget that. You already had him bypass Triple-A and make a home start for Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Called up from Double-A Portland (Maine), Masterson whizzed through six innings. The Red Sox led 3-1, and Masterson had allowed just two hits (one a solo homer), struck out four, walked four and coaxed 11 ground-ball outs.

So in the seventh inning, out trots ... Javier Lopez?

Sure, Masterson was 95 pitches in, but so what? If he gets in trouble, then yank him. The parade of pitchers didn't end with Lopez, who gave up a hit, a walk and two earned runs. Manny Delcarmen had the same line.

By the time Hideki Okajima finished cleaning up the mess, the Angels led 5-3.

Masterson's parents, Mark and Judy, flew to Boston to see their son pitch. Instead of a victory, they had to settle for a no-decision.

Masterson had a remarkable day, and it's only one game out of a six-month season. But you only get one first time in the Bigs, and Masterson had to watch his lead and possible victory frittered away by the bullpen.

What if Masterson stays in and gets hit hard? He would probably have taken that, since the ball would've been in his hands.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951 or mgokavi@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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