BOSTON — Times are tough all over.

Barry Zito, in the second year of a landmark $126 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, is 13-22 to date. The Texas Rangers were desperate enough recently to turn, briefly, to Sidney Ponson, before coming to their senses.

There’s not enough pitching, and for what little exists teams gladly overpay.

Then there’s the Red Sox. Then there’s Justin Masterson.

In the sweltering heat and humidity, Masterson outdueled Erik Bedard Sunday. For the third time in his four starts, Masterson allowed a single run. And for the third time in his four starts, the Red Sox won, this time by a 2-1 count over Bedard's Mariners.

"You feel good," said Masterson, "because you’re giving the team an opportunity to win. I think that’s the idea for any starting pitcher who goes out there, or any guy who comes up. They want to give the best that they can in order for the team to be successful."

By that measure, Masterson’s brief major-league career is an unqualified success. Were it not for a bad inning by the bullpen in his debut, Masterson would be 4-0 and the Sox would be perfect.

But that’s a minor quibble.

Somehow, a guy who hadn’t pitched above Double-A before the Sox summoned him in desperation, has managed to help keep the Red Sox starting rotation together.

"He’s very dependable," said Terry Francona, "which is a big compliment for a young kid. The more we get to know him, I’m sure there is more of a comfort level, especially with a kid that likes to compete and certainly doesn’t look very rattled. He gets in situations and he stays on an even keel and he makes his pitches.’’

Case in point: The second inning Sunday, when Masterson’s command temporarily deserted him.

After walking Adrian Beltre and Jeremy Reed to start the inning, Masterson managed to limit the damage, in no small part because of a terrific running catch by J.D. Drew, who leaped in front of the home bullpen and robbed Richie Sexson of extra bases.

An RBI single from Jamie Burke produced a run, but that would be the only run scored against him in his six innings.

"He had to face some adversity today," said Jason Varitek. "He didn’t have a good feel early and he was misfiring."

But Masterson corrected a glitch in his pitching mechanics and retired 12 of the final 14 hitters he faced. Burke’s single was the last hit against him for the afternoon.

"This isn’t a fluke," Francona asserted. "He might go out next time and get beat, bur he knows how to pitch."

Along the way, Masterson continues to learn — both about himself and pitching at the big-league level. He credits being here for two Futures at Fenway games, and the team’s rookie development program, in helping him prepare for his quick acceleration.

He’s grown to be comfortable at Fenway. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, in the nearly 100-year history of the ballpark, Masterson is the first pitcher to make his first four major league appearances in Fenway and remain unbeaten.

Nothing unnerves him. Not the oppressive temperatures ("I love the heat") or the level of competition ("Yes, you have better hitters, but you have better defenders.")

He’s poised, works quick and -- while he doesn’t display even the slightest hint of cockiness -- he’s far from overwhelmed.

"It’s the same game as you move around (from various minor-league stops to the major leagues)," he said. "It’s the same type of ballgame."

Varitek, who has been the everyday catcher here for almost a decade, was asked how Masterson compares to other rookie pitchers.

He thought for a minute.

"We haven’t had the opportunity to have a lot of young guys here," said Varitek. "They never seemed to get here."

Indeed, until recently, the Red Sox seemed to have an inherent distrust of young pitchers. They were dealt off for veterans or simply left in the minors for proper seasoning. No sense rushing them, after all.

But that was then. Masterson is now.

In a week or two, he may have to give back his spot to Daisuke Matsuzaka, currently languishing on the disabled list.

But he could re-surface if another injury strikes, or someone else’s performance takes a dip. Or he could contribute out of the bullpen in the final two months.

"I hope the story continues," said Francona.

So far, at 3-0, 2.59, what’s not to like?