Buchholz efficient over six frames, Red Sox top Tribe

Boston, MA, United States (AHN Sports) – Though he was far from dominant, Boston starter Clay Buchholz pitched effectively into the seventh inning, and the Red Sox got back on track with a 7-5 victory over the Cleveland Indians Friday night at Fenway Park.

It snapped Boston’s six-game home losing skid and a three-game losing streak overall.

Buchholz (4-1), who entered the game with the Majors’ worst ERA among qualifiers (9.09), got off to a shaky start but buckled down after escaping a jam in the first inning to register his best start yet.

The 27-year-old right-hander, who faced an entirely lefty-hitting lineup Friday, went 6 1-3 innings and gave up four runs (three earned).

Compared to his previous outings, Buchholz was in control in this second instalment of a four-game series and was not burnt by eight hits and three walks. He also did not register a strikeout for only the second time in 83 career starts.

Buchholz has allowed at least five earned runs in each of his first six starts.

The offensive support enabled Buchholz to improve to 4-1 despite an 8.31 ERA.

Dustin Pedroia went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored for the Red Sox (13-19), who had lost 11 of their previous 12 home games and eight of nine overall.

Will Middlebrooks drove in two while Ryan Sweeney went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored for the victors. Alfredo Aceves, the fifth relief pitcher to follow Buchholz, earned his sixth save on the season.

Friday’s game marked the fifth time in seven contests that the Red Sox have tallied seven or more runs in a Buchholz start.

Meanwhile, David Ortiz went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk, but left in the seventh due to a heel problem. The Red Sox designated hitter had a minor auto accident on his way to Fenway Friday, but indicated that he was unhurt and suffered no injuries.

Ubaldo Jimenez (3-3), who was coming off a gem against the powerful Texas Rangers Sunday, was torched for seven runs on nine hits over 4 1-3 innings.

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