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Matsuzaka, Red Sox begin title defense in Tokyo

Mar 24, 2008 - 6:59 PM Boston vs. Oakland 6:00 am EDT

TOKYO (Ticker) -- Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Boston Red Sox will start their World Series title defense overseas.

Matsuzaka will get the Opening Day start for the defending World Series champion Red Sox as they square off against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome.

It marks just the third time Major League Baseball has opened its season in Japan and first since the New York Yankees faced Tampa Bay in 2004. The New York Mets and Chicago Cubs had the honor in 2000.

Even though the Athletics are officially listed as the home team, the fans will almost certain be supporting the Red Sox with the Japanese righthander on the mound.

"I am happy to return to Japan as a member of the world championship team," said Matsuzaka, who is one of the most revered figures in the history of Japanese baseball. "I am honored to be selected as the Opening Day starter."

The 27-year-old Matsuzaka, who went 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA and 201 strikeouts during his rookie season in 2007, pitched in his first professional game at the Tokyo Dome.

On April 7, 1998, an 18-year-old Matsuzaka made his much-anticipated debut with the Seibu Lions and did not disappoint. He was perfect through five innings and yielded just two runs with nine strikeouts over eight frames.

Oakland will counter with Joe Blanton, who is taking over as the club's ace after Dan Haren was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Blanton went 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA and 140 strikeouts last season.

The Athletics also have one of the youngest lineups in the majors, with three players under 25 years old and no player over 30.