Boston Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka completed preparations for his rookie season in the major leagues with a shaky outing Saturday, allowing three runs on two hits and four walks in four innings against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Matsuzaka gave up an RBI double to Abraham Nunez in the second and a two-run homer to Pat Burrell in the third. Yet he struck out seven and picked up the win in a 7-5 Boston victory.
"I didn't feel particularly nervous," Matsuzaka said, referring to the game at the Phillies' home field. "But I'm glad I had the opportunity to throw in a big league park before the beginning of the season."
The former Seibu Lions ace is scheduled to make his major league debut on Thursday at Kansas City Royals.