Japan's Matsuzaka lifts Red Sox past Orioles

BOSTON (AFP) — Japanese hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched a half dozen scoreless innings, leading Boston to a 2-1 win over Baltimore on Sunday.

The Red Sox (57-40), who improved to 36-11 at Fenway Park, hold a one-half game lead over the surprising Tampa Bay Rays heading into the Major League Baseball all-star break.

Matsuzaka (10-1) worked around four hits and five walks in keeping the Orioles off the scoreboard, striking out seven. He was pleased with the results.

"My pitching wasn't consistent today," Matsuzaka said. "But I was able to hold the runners when I got into trouble so overall I think it was okay."

In fact, the outing was symbolic of Matsuzaka's season. He has won 10 games despite allowing an alarming number ...