Jonathan Papelbon shouldn't be allowed access to big game balls once the final out has been recorded. It's one thing when a dog eats the ball that won the 2007 World Series for Boston, but when word spread this morning that another sentimental game ball likely fell victim to our closer? Paps, it's time to have a little chat about what a keepsake is.

Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched brilliantly on Tuesday night, during the latest stop on the Red Sox Opening Day World Tour. In Oakland, Dice-K unleashed a two-hit, one-run effort as he shut down the Athletics during six and two-thirds innings of play. With the exception of the second-inning solo homer he gave up to Jack Cust, Dice-K delivered the goods that we'd hoped to see in Japan - and the ace had hoped to save the game ball for his newborn baby.

The only problem? Someone (and it sounds an awful lot like the equally devastating Papelbon) tossed the ball into the stands.

Oops.

We hope that Dice-K clips out some articles about his first win since Mini Matsuzaka's arrival: nine strikeouts, no walks. The pitcher's efforts were supported on the offensive side with two runs scored by Kevin Youkilis (three hits on the night), RBIed in by Jacoby Ellsbury and Jason Varitek.

More good news? Josh Beckett is expected to rejoin his team and take his place on the mound on Sunday. Let the Santana/Beckett debates begin in earnest!

The Celtics have been busily dominating the NBA this season with a grace that has often appeared almost effortless, but in Chicago on Tuesday night, the fatigue generated by a long season was clearly visible. The Celts picked up their 59th win of the season with a 106-92 victory against the Bulls, but the boys in green were demonstrating some pretty sloppy play. Brilliant shooting from outside the arc (14-for-25) helped counter the 20 turnovers seen over the course of the night.

The Big Three Breakdown: Ray Allen with 22 points, Kevin Garnett with 20, Paul Pierce with 17.

On another basketball beat, let's hear it for UMASS! The Minutemen advanced to the NIT finals with a 78-66 victory over the Florida Gators during tournament play at Madison Square Garden. UMASS is slated to spend their first NIT final battling against Ohio State at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

On a final sports note, we all knew that the time would come when Bob Lobel would prepare to make his final WBZ broadcast, but we were still stunned to hear that such a time is now fast approaching. Say what you will about the man's recent work (we'll respectfully disagree with the Herald's Steve Buckley on this one), but Lobel is a Boston sports broadcasting legend - and local sports fans will always wish they knew what it was like to sit down in a room with Ted Williams, Larry Bird, and Bobby Orr. Bostonist wishes Lobel the best, and we thank him for his contributions to sports journalism.