Waubonsie Valley grad Bowden beats White Sox

BOSTON - Michael Bowden had some down-home motivation during his first major-league start Saturday night.

"It was a little bit extra special because growing up a Cubs fan, it was special beating the White Sox," Bowden said. "For my debut, it's pretty awesome."

Bowden, who graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School and was selected by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2005 draft, walked the first hitter (Orlando Cabrera) he faced.

"I think it was inevitable because my heart was pounding pretty hard," said the 21-year-old right-hander. "But after the first guy, I settled down."

Bowden pitched 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 7 hits while earning his first big-league win.

"I thought his poise and mound presence were outstanding," said Boston manager Terry Francona. "Early on, he threw a lot of fastballs. As he got into his game, he started using his changeup and his breaking ball. He's got enough on his fastball and he's got some deception.

"He's throwing from his ear and he gets some downward angle on that fastball. I thought he composed himself really well and competed. He did a good job."

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was not nearly as impressed as Francona.

"He was OK," Guillen said of Bowden. "He didn't really impress me. He just beat a team right now that isn't swinging the bats well. The first inning, he threw all fastballs. We have a fastball hitting team and we didn't get him. When you deserve credit, I'll give you credit. He didn't impress me. He was good enough to beat the White Sox tonight."

Bowden credited his new teammates for helping him get through his first day in the majors.

"They were very welcoming when I got to the clubhouse, they talked to me and made me feel comfortable," Bowden said. "That really helped me going out there."