The Red Sox had lost 4 games in a row and if they had any chance to not make it 5 losses in a row, Clay Buchholz would have to once again behave as the defacto ace and stopper. That is just what he did. Buchholz didn’t get the win, but he was the difference in this game bringing the Sox to their first win in what seemed like forever.
Clay Buchholz took the mound and not only didn’t give up any runs in the first inning, he didn’t give up a run until the 6th. Clay just kept putting up zero after zero. He looked sharp and in control. It’s amazing in comparison of the guy we saw on the mound earlier in the season. Right now, Buchholz is clearly the guy leading that staff. Let’s hope Lester and Beckett follow his lead. Buchholz did have a 1-0 lead until the 6th inning when he had the only hiccup of his outing. Clay gave up a double to Andrus and then on a wild pitch Andrus went to 3rd base with only one out. Hamilton hit a sac grounder to score Andrus and tie the game. Buchholz would pitch another scoreless 7th inning and leave the game with the teams tied 1-1. Buchholz did not get the win, however he was clearly the player of the game. Buchholz’s line for the night was 105 pitches, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K.
There was not a lot of offense for the Red Sox, but there was just enough to get the win and have it not have to be in extra innings. The Sox got their first run in the 4th inning when Kelly Shoppach hit an RBI double to score Cody Ross. Sox 1-0. Once the game became tied in the 6th, the Sox would be able to snag one more run in the top of the 9th and have a chance for a win. Joe Nathan took the mound for the Rangers and with two outs he walked both Nava and Saltalamacchia. Mike Aviles was at the plate and hit an RBI single right over Andrus’ out stretched glove in short to score Nava. Sox 2-1. The Sox had a timely hit and now were in line for a win. Ellsbury flied out to center to end the inning.
The bullpen finished off the game that Clay started. Padilla pitched a scoreless 8th inning, however it was not without drama. Padilla ended up with a throwing error to Gonzo checking on Andrus and he was sitting at 3rd base with 2 outs. Next Padilla hit Adrian Beltre in the helmet. Beltre got up on his own, however he left the game. The Rangers reported later that Beltre passed all the concussion tests. Glad to hear he is going to be alright since it was scary for a wee bit. Padilla was able to work himself out of trouble by getting Young to ground out. With the lead in the 9th, Aceves took the mound looking for his 21st save of the season. Aceves got his first two outs using 2 pitches. Aceves got the final out when Gentry popped out in foul territory to Adrian Gonzalez.
Phew. Red Sox win. About time!
Red Sox 2 Rangers 1 BOXSCORE
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