Projo Sox Blog

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Even before Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett recorded the last out in the top of the seventh inning when he caught a Jason Varitek pop up, Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was already making his way to the mound.

The right-hander was working on a no-hitter and wanted to make quick work of the Rays in the bottom of the seventh. However, due to the singing of "God Bless America" and then a network break, Dice-K's momentum was thrown off course.

No doubt it had an effect on his dominating performance.

On his 90th pitch of the game, Rays' Carl Crawford singled to right to lead off the inning, snapping Matsuzaka's no-hit bid.

It will be interesting to see if he acknowledges the hold up.

 Tags  ALCS Daisuke Matsuzaka Red Sox

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