After Smoltz floundered in the first inning, allowing four runs on four hits, Zimmermann oppressed the Red Sox for seven innings, spoiling Smoltz’s debut and averting a Boston sweep. The Sox managed five hits off Zimmermann, all of them singles and only three of which left the infield.
So no matter how good Smoltz was going to be, it might not have mattered. He lasted five innings and allowed the Nationals three more hits and one more run while striking out five. Smoltz hit 94 miles per hour on the stadium radar gun, better velocity than he mustered during his rehab starts.
“I can’t be disappointed,’’ Smoltz said. “Once I got through the first inning, I felt normal again.’’
Smoltz found trouble when he left his curveball and splitter too high.
“Other than that, I was really encouraged,’’ manager Terry Francona said. “I know we took a loss, and not a real good one. I was excited. I know it was a tough game. If he feels like that physically, he’s going to be just fine.’’
Ultimately, though, Smoltz endured a sour night. He had prepared for it. On Wednesday, he had spoken about a similar situation that made his nerves flare. On April 4, 2005, Smoltz made his first start in four years after serving as the Braves closer. He faced 13 batters. Seven of them scored. Smoltz allowed six earned runs on six hits and two walks 1 2/3 innings.
Smoltz said he would draw on the experience to help calm his nerves for last night. In the afternoon, he played cards with Manny Delcarmen and wore a smile walking through the clubhouse, but jitters seemed to affect him in the first. He hit the second batter he faced, Nick Johnson, in the shin.
“Just getting into the flow of the game, he didn’t really have a chance to,’’ catcher Jason Varitek said. “He was in trouble right away.’’
His first start with the Sox out of the way, Smoltz can draw further on that 2005 start. By the end of that season, he had a 3.06 ERA and a 14-7 record. He can believe the first inning was an aberration, and that when his nerves go away, his efficacy will resurface.
