Who would have thought it possible for Daisuke Matsuzaka to nearly no-hit any team, let alone a very good offensive club like the Phillies? And yet, it doesn't seem completely fluke-ish. When the man gets it into his head that he needs to make a pitch, he can do it. He can be a very good pitcher when he needs to be.
My not particularly well thought out theory on his excellence tonight? I'd credit the umpire with getting him through. He appeared to be getting squeezed in the first inning; there seemed to be a lot of good pitches being called balls. When Polanco drew a walk in the first inning, it seemed like he saw nothing but strikes in that plate appearance. The umpire took away Daisuke's corners thereby forcing him to throw strikes. And strike-throwing Daisuke is the one who doesn't suck.
Regardless, good job Daisuke. It was impressive to watch.
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