Papi Blasts First Bomb, Buch Bamboozles Stros in 7-2 victory

On the night of the NFL’s Draft, the Red Sox second selection in the 2005 Draft was on his game tonight, as Clay Buchholz once again showed why he has been so good this season. Over 7 2/3 innings of work, Buchholz notched 10 K’s and became the major’s first five game winner, stifling the Astros’ bats all night long.

The Boston offense got off to a hot start, jumping all over Houston’s Phillip Humber in the first. Four Red Sox would cross home plate in the inning, with RBI base hits by Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Mike Carp, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

April 20, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz (11) pitches during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

That would be more than enough for Buchholz, who managed to limit threats in both the second and third to just one run each inning. Also of note, Buchholz was able to keep the ball on the ground for the solid Sox defense to gobble up, recording eight ground ball outs throughout the night.

In the 3rd, David Ortiz lead off the inning with his first blast of 2013, driving the Lucas Harrell fastball over the wall in center. Ortiz would cap off the night with another hit in the fifth, raising his season average to a robust .550.

Other notable offensive performances from the night include Mike Carp (2-4, RBI, 2 R) and Dustin Pedroia (1-3, BB, RBI), both of whom added to their successful starts to 2013.

Tomorrow, the Sox will continue to get acquainted with their new American League counterparts in game 2 of the series. The Astros will send former Oriole, Erik Bedard to the hill (5-4, 4.25 ERA career against the Sox), while the Sox will start Ryan Dempster (3.38 ERA, 12.38 K/9). Game start