Brandon Moss' go-ahead RBI in the sixth, and game-tying homer in the ninth inning of Tuesday's season-opener shows what the Red Sox farm system is about.

Every farm system has talent. The key is getting that talent to perform.

Go down the list of Red Sox young players - Pedroia, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Youkilis - all talented players who also show they can perform when the pressure is on.

Moss began to show that trait in 2006 when he powered the Portland Sea Dogs to the Eastern League championship, winning the championship series MVP.

Moss' development led to a call-up last year.

And now he is stepping in for injured players. First, Coco Crisp was slowed with a groin pull. Then Bobby Kielty limped with a strained calf. Those injuries led to Boston keeping Moss on the major league roster for the opening series in Japan.

Then J.D. Drew felt tightness in his back, and Moss was starting Game 1.

Moss came through in the clutch, highlighted by his blast in the ninth inning off closer Huston Street. It was Moss' first Major League homer, and helped the Sox get to extra innings, where they won 6-5.

Moss is still likely headed to Triple-A Pawtucket when the Red Sox return to the States, assuming Drew is okay. But Moss is showing he belongs.

And he will be back.

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