The Sox had already played and lost a game earlier in the day, but during the nightcap they would have the pitcher with the best ERA on the mound, Clay Buchholz. Buch would be matched up against CJ Wilson who has pitched well against the Sox during his time with the Rangers. Last night the duel would go in Clay's favor and he'd end the game being the first AL pitcher to go 9-0 on the season.
Clay pitched well and the Sox bats gave him an early lead to work with. The Sox scored two runs in the bottom of the 1st inning with RBI doubles from Gomes and Pedroia. The only scary part about that was watching Shane Victorino running around the bases and him looking like the hamstring isn't even close to 100% yet. However, Victorino stayed in the game. The Sox added on one more run in the 2nd inning when Papi hit an RBI double to score Gomes. Sox 3-0. Buch gave up a single run in the top of the 3rd when he gave up a leadoff double and with one out, Mike Trout was able to hit an RBI single to score him. Sox 3-1. The Sox were able to get that run back in the 5th when Mike Napoli hit a single, got to 2nd on an error and then David Ross got him home with an RBI single. Sox 4-1.
Buchholz would give up his 2nd and final run in the top of 6th when Trumbo hit a sac fly to plate Josh Hamilton. Sox 4-2. The Sox bats would get that run back and then some in the next inning. In the bottom of the 6th, Pedey hit an RBI single to plate Iglesias and then Papi would hit a 2 run HR to put this game away. Sox 7-2. Buchholz would also have some scary and bizarre fielding in the game. In the 4th inning while trying to cover 1st base, Buch lost the ball and ended up tumbling over while getting the out. Finally, Kendrick hit a ball off his glove hand in the 6th and that seemed to get him to shake out his hand a little bit. In the 7th inning, Buchholz got two outs, but then called for the trainer. Buchholz would leave the game with neck tightness which he said he had been feeling for the last couple of innings. They don't believe it is related to the AC joint issue he had earlier in the season. Buchholz is on such a roll and the team really needs him, so let's hope this doesn't become a lingering issue. Breslow finished the 7th inning and also pitched a scoreless 8th inning. Junichi Tazawa came out and pitched a scoreless 9th inning to have the Sox split the day/night doubleheader.
Red Sox 7 Angels 2 BOXSCORE
WP: Buchholz (9-0) LP: Wilson (4-5)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
