The defeat saddled Matsuzaka with his first loss in six starts -- and only his second defeat of the 2008 season -- and ruined a stretch during which he'd posted a 3-0 record and 0.88 ERA in his last five starts. The defeat was Matsuzaka's first since June 21 -- his first start back from a stint on the 15-day disabled list.

"I think that when I'm facing a good team like the Angels, I need to mix up pitches a little bit more and add some more variation," said Matsuzaka, who hinted that he might have to consult with catcher Jason Varitek to go over some pitch-selection choices. "I do feel it was a rare learning opportunity out there. I just tried to go for the easy strike a little too much."

Matsuzaka's troubles materialized as they have so many other times -- with a costly base on balls to the leadoff man. The Japanese ace walked Chone Figgins, and the speedy Figgins promptly stole second base. Casey Kotchman smoked a two-run homer to right field, and Torii Hunter followed with a three-run homer that clinched Matsuzaka's second loss of the season.

Matsuzaka was among the stingiest pitchers in Major League Baseball when it came to surrendering homers this season -- five allowed in his first 93 2/3 innings pitched -- but this time, the home-run ball proved to be his downfall.

ANGELS 7, RED SOX 5: Daisuke Matsuzaka was cruising for five innings and protecting a one-run lead, but he surrendered two home runs in the sixth inning en route to his second loss of the season. OF Manny Ramirez hit a ninth-inning home run and drove in three runs in the loss.