After using up the bullpen in the brief two-game set in New York, Boston Red Sox skipper Terry Francona would need his young horse Clay Buchholz to eat up some innings. And a win if he could get that too.
Buchholz stepped up to the plate in a big way on Wednesday night as he allowed two runs in 8+ innings to help the local nine to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins in front of 37,426 soggy fans at Fenway Park.
It’s the second straight win for the Red Sox as they get back over .500 at 21-20. The AL Central-leading Twins fall to 24-16.
Young Clay had it going well on the bump. He was able to mix in all of his pitches and had great life and movement on his fastball. At one point during the 5th and 6th innings, he had five ground ball outs and finished with ten of them on the night.
He had thrown 100 pitches through eight innings but went back out for the 9th. But a leadoff infield single by Denard Span ended his night. All told, Buchholz went 8+ innings, allowing two runs on five hits with just one walk and recorded seven strikeouts.
Despite giving up a hit and a walk, Daniel Bard picked up his second career save and first of the 2010 season a night after picking up the win.
David Ortiz had the big blow as his 2-run homer got the Red Sox out front. It didn’t come easy for him though as it hit the top of the Green Monster in the 4th inning. After a four minute review delay, it was ruled it was indeed a home run that made it 2-1 Red Sox.
Both Victor Martinez and Adrian Beltre added two hits and Bill Hall’s RBI single in the 6th inning proved to be the difference. The only member of the starting nine without a hit was J.D. Drew, who was in the leadoff spot for Marco Scutaro who had the night off.
After the comeback win on Tuesday night, this win was just as nice as it came over a quality opponent.
The Red Sox will look to get another win before heading south to Philadelphia to begin interleague play. It’ll be a matchup of lefties as Francisco Liriano and Jon Lester will toe the rubber. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
