Buchholz Keeps His ERA Clean, Sox Hold On For 5-4 Win Over Jays

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Against a watered-down Toronto lineup (Jose Bautista and Colby Rasmus were the only players expected to be on the Jays’ opening day roster) the Red Sox prevailed 5-3. Clay Buchholz pitched four shutout innings while allowing three hits and striking out one. He’s now pitched eight and a third scoreless so far this spring. Andrew Miller pitched one inning and gave up a two run homer, the first time he’s allowed any runs so far. Andrew Bailey pitched a scoreless sixth and gave up a hit. Prospect Allen Webster gave up three hits and an unearned run (fielding error by Jackie Bradley who went one for one) while striking out three en route to a three inning save.

Mike Napoli was Boston’s leader offensively (two for three, single, double, one RBI).

A few familiar faces from 2012 were on the field for the opposition today. Justin Germano started for the Blue Jays and gave up two runs in three innings. Andy LaRoche was hitless in three at-bats. Former future middle of the order threat Lars Anderson went two for four (single, double, RBI).

The win puts the Red Sox back at .500 (9-9) for the spring.

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