September 19th @ Toronto

[inkman]

Buchholz looks to halt Sox skid

It's been a long time coming, but on Wednesday night Clay Buchholz will finally get a chance to make his first start since throwing a no-hitter against the Orioles on Sept. 1.

Despite the extended layoff, Boston's 23-year-old rookie isn't exactly going to be eased back into the starter's role. Buchholz will have the daunting task of trying to end the Red Sox's three-game losing streak when he takes the mound against the Blue Jays.

"It feels like I haven't pitched in a month," Buchholz said. "That hadn't happened all year, or the last couple of years. But I think the rest is helpful. Just resting a little bit. I'm ready to get back out there."

Following Tuesday night's late-inning collapse against Toronto, the Sox will need a solid outing from Buchholz, now more than ever. Boston's lead over the Yankees in the American League East has shrunk to just 2 1/2 games -- the slimmest margin the team has had since April 26.

Buchholz has thrown a total of 143 1/3 innings in the Minor Leagues and Major Leagues this season. Boston has been closely monitoring his workload all year long, and decided to move their top prospect to the bullpen following his historic night, to make sure he wasn't being overused.

Even though Buchholz now finds himself getting another start, he's expected to be on a tight pitch count. Just how long he'll be allowed to pitch for, though, hasn't been decided yet according to Sox manager Terry Francona.

"We're recognizing what we're dealing with," Francona said. "You know what, I don't know where we'll end up, I really don't. I think a lot of it will depend on how he's throwing, score of the game."

For his part, Buchholz says his transition to the bullpen took a bit of an adjustment, but he thinks the extra rest will help him finish the season strong.

"The time off has let me rest a little bit," Buchholz said. "Being out in the 'pen and getting to throw here and there, it's been good. ... But I think going back to at least one more start would probably be better for me."

Toronto will counter with right-hander Jesse Litsch. The 22-year-old had his string of rough outings continue in his last start against the Orioles. Litsch surrendered four runs on seven hits over three innings -- his shortest outing since May 30. He is now 0-3 with an 11.12 ERA over his last three starts.

Pitching matchup
BOS: RHP Clay Buchholz (3-0, 1.50 ERA)
Buchholz is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in one career outing on the road.



TOR: RHP Jesse Litsch (5-9, 4.37 ERA)
Litsch is 1-1 with a 7.20 ERA in two starts against the Red Sox this season.





I'll give it a shot.

[inkman]

INKMAN NEW INK MOJO BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jacksonianmarch]

inkman has cankles

[TheKilo]

Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Lowell 3B
Drew RF
Varitek C
Hinske 1B
Kielty LF
Lugo SS

Buchholz

All things considered (Manny) that's the best lineup Tito can put out there.

PS the magic number for a playoff spot is 3 thanks to Detroit's suckitude.

[riverside sluggers]

Okajima has been shut down for a few more days. Tito is sticking to his guns that Gagne will be the 8th inning set up guy, regardless he has yet to get one hold when given a lead. Coco is out today with a recurring stiff back

Clay Buchholz (1st career appearance vs Toronto)

Jesse Litsch (2 games vs Boston, 1-1 with a 7.20 ERA---Career at Rogers Centre in 7 games, 2-4 with a 5.19 ERA)
Jacoby Ellsbury, 2 for 2 (1.000 avg)
Dustin Pedroia, 2 for 2 (1.000 avg)
David Ortiz, 2 for 4 (.500 avg) Double, 2 RBIs, K
Mike Lowell, 2 for 4 (.500 avg) HR, 3 RBIs, Walk
J.D. Drew, 0 for 1, RBI
Jason Varitek, 0 for 2, K
Eric Hinske, 2 for 5 (.400 avg) Double, K
Bobby Kielty ---
Julio Lugo, 2 for 5 (.400 avg)
///
Alex Cora, 1 for 3 (.333 avg) Double
Coco Crisp, 1 for 5 (.200 avg)
Doug Mirabelli, 1 for 3 (.333 avg) Double
Manny Ramirez, 1 for 3 (.333 avg)
Kevin Youkilis, 0 for 2, Walk, K

Buchholz this season on the road in 1 game, 1-0 with an 0.00 ERA

[jacksonianmarch]

Wow. I get to see Gagne in the 8th again. I DONT EVEN NEED POPCORN. The guy is about as automatic as a drunk hooker on dollar shots night.

[TheKilo]

Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch

Wow. I get to see Gagne in the 8th again. I DONT EVEN NEED POPCORN. The guy is about as automatic as a drunk hooker on dollar shots night.

Shhhhhh

The Sox won't even need Gagne tonight, Buchholz is getting th job done.

[jacksonianmarch]

I see it now. Buchholz is rusty, goes 6 giving up 4 runs and holds a slim lead. Delcarmen dominates the 7th, striking out the side on 10 pitches. in comes Gagne. 2 outs, nobody on, 0-2 count on Vernon Wells. he proceed to throw 15 consecutive balls. 3-0 count, Frank Thomas at the dish, bases loaded, sox up 1...where have I seen this before? Just kidding ya. I dont think Buchholz dominates tonight, but I see the sox bustin a nut all over Lisch and taking this game large.

[schillingouttheks]

We win tonight. Fuck this shit.

[yankees228]

The Red Sox (like the Mets), probably sense a little bit of desperation and come through big tonight.

[DUSTINMOHR4LIFE]

We better win.

[redsoxrules]

good start, leadoff walk

[Gom]

You know, I have to say, I like this kid. I'm secretly rooting for this kid to have a good game, but hope the Red Sox bullpen loses it. I think he's a gamer.

Either way, it looks like the playoff field is set. Yanks, Sox, Indians, and Angels. I wonder how the seeding will all turn out.

[Rdsxmbnt]

can you believe this, WB Mason all game!

[jacksonianmarch]

Cy Litsch