Share Video
Red Sox pitcher Matt Barnes, who has not allowed a run since returning to the Red Sox on Sept. 12, has been better in this stint in the majors because he's throwing first-pitch strikes, the Boston Globe reports.
"I think the bottom line is Strike 1 with Matt Barnes," interim manager Torey Lovullo said. "If he gets a strike on you, with that velocity and at that angle, it can be very challenging."
Barnes has given up just one walk, while striking out six in seven innings since returning to Boston. Getting ahead in the count and limiting walks has been key for Barnes this time around. And so has keeping the ball in the park. Barnes, who had surrendered eight homers in 32 2/3 previous innings, has not given up a long ball since the September callup.
