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Red Sox pitching leads to win over White Sox

By Michele Pettis

May 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the first time this season Clay Buchholz has gotten the win! The pitching staff combined for a 3-hit win over a white-hot Chicago White Sox.

Just before the game Hanley Ramirez was pulled from the line-up due to flu-like symptoms. It was the one-year anniversary of when Hanley ran into the wall. Let’s hope that there won’t be such bad luck for him this year.

Dustin Pedroia was put into the clean-up spot, which was a no-brainer since the scrappy second baseman had a .397 average when batting fourth going into the game.

In the first inning it looked like we were getting the typical April Clay even though the calendar said May. Buchholz has a lifetime ERA close to 5 in the month of April. When he gave up a single and then a home run in the bottom of the first it seemed like Clay’s woes were continuing into the new month. After that inning, however, Clay gave up just one more hit. He finished seven innings using 98 pitches and struck out six batters.

In the third inning the Sox showed some signs they weren’t going to give up without a fight tonight. Xander Bogaerts singled to score Christian Vazquez. In the top of the fifth David Ortiz hit his sixth homer of the season to add two runs and take the lead. Ortiz decided that the Red Sox pitching could use an insurance run in the seventh. He singled and scored Mookie Betts. Josh Rutledge added another run with his single in the eighth inning.

The bullpen decided that it was high time that Clay got a win. Koji Uehara used only 11 pitches to get three blessedly quick outs. Craig Kimbrel walked one batter but survived the ninth without allowing any runs.

Tonight’s win coupled by a win by the Yanks over the O’s puts the Red Sox back in first place in the AL East. This is the latest the Sox have been in first place since 2013.

Game Notes

  • Due to Hanley’s illness, Travis Shaw moved to first base and Josh Rutledge played third.
  • Hanley is expected to play tomorrow night.
  • Jose Abreu‘s home run in the first inning was his fourth this season.
  • Though Pedroia didn’t end up with a hit tonight, he was tied for first for most hits in the AL with Manny Machado going into the game.

Big Papi has always been a joy to watch. He has been outdoing himself in his farewell season. His bat provided the needed runs tonight and he further solidified his place among the Red Sox greats.. Game Ball. David Ortiz. OFFENSE. A-

STARTING PITCHING. A. There have been times that Clay has been less than fun to watch. Tonight was not one of those nights, however. He recovered from a subpar first inning and stayed in control. His six strike outs tonight reminded us what he can do when he is doing well and attacking hitters. His seven innings of work tonight was a welcomed relief to the bull pen and to fan’s nerves.. Game Ball. Clay Buchholz

 The dynamic duo of <strong><a href=. Game Ball. Koji and Kimbrel. BULL PEN. A

Tomorrow the Red Sox look to win the series against the White tomorrow at 8:10pm before heading to the dreaded Bronx.

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