Matsuzaka Debute: 4-1 win, 10ks

[Mike]

Matsuzaka performed very well in his debut against the Royals winning 4-1 with 10 Ks.

"I can't say that my overall condition was that great today, but I think the role of a starting pitcher is to set up the game and give my teammates the opportunity to win," he said through an interpreter. "I feel like I was able to do that today, so I was satisfied."

Matsuzaka's fastaball clocked at 95 mph and his famed array of fastballs, changeups and breaking pitches at times was dazzling. Flashing a reddish-orange glove during his slow-motion windup, he retired 10 batters in a row during one stretch starting with the final out of the first inning. He struck out the side in the fourth on 14 pitches.

"Up to now, given all the expectations that have surrounded me, I've felt happy about those expectations," he said. "But at the same time feeling like perhaps they were a little bit extreme. But speaking for myself and for all the fans that have supported me here, it's great that I was able to come out here and record a victory in my first start."

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