The Red Sox came into the last series of the season with one goal in mind, getting the best record in the AL. The Sox would have to win games against the Orioles, who have given them fits this season. The Sox had Clay Buchholz on the mound vs. Scott Feldman for the Orioles. The Sox would get out to an early lead and never look back.
The Sox offense would spot Clay Buchholz a 5 run lead before he ever took the mound and that would be enough to ensure their first win, even though the offense wasn't even close to being done. Mike Napoli was back in the lineup for the first time in a week and he got right to work with an RBI double to score Pedey. Then Daniel Nava hit a 3 run HR and Stephen Drew hit an RBI triple to have the Sox leading 5-0. In the 3rd inning the Sox added on a few more runs when Salty hit what was first called a HR and then changed to an RBI double and then Stephen Drew got the runners home anyway in his next at bat with a 2 run RBI double. Sox 8-0.
Clay Buchholz didn't seem to have his best stuff last night, but with the run support, it was definitely good enough. His velocity seemed down at times, but he was still using some nasty off speed and curveballs to get people out. Buchholz gave up hit first run when he gave up a 2 run HR to Adam Jones in the 3rd. Sox 8-2. Clay wouldn't give up another run until the 6th when he gave up a solo HR to Chris Davis, his 53rd homerun of the season. The Sox got those runs back in the 8th when Belfiore came into the game for his MLB debut. Unfortunately for him, his MLB debut was facing David Ortiz who took him yard for a 3 run HR. Sox 11-3. Clay Buchholz was done after 7 strong innings and had himself another quality start. Craig Breslow came in for the 8th inning and had himself a scoreless inning. In the top of the 9th Jonny Gomes took over where David Ortiz left off and hit a solo HR to start the inning. Sox 12-3. Koji Uehara came out in the 9th since he needed the work and had himself his usual 1-2-3 stress free inning.
The Red Sox won last night and the Tigers lost, so they clinched home field advantage. The A's also won however, so they need one more win (or an A's loss) to clinch the best record in the AL.
Red Sox 12 Orioles 3 BOXSCORE
WP: Buchholz (12-1) LP: Feldman (5-8)
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