Not Even the Spirit of 2004 Helps

Clay Buchholz allowed Tampa 3 runs in the top of the 2nd inning, helping to put the Red Sox in a hole they simply couldn't climb out of against Rays starter David Price in a 5-2 loss at Fenway Park.

The Sox lineup resembled something out of a split-squad spring training game in March - Ciriaco (DH), Nava, Pedroia, Ross, Gomez, Lavarnway, Valencia, Lin and Iglesias. Four of them entered the game with batting averages at or under .169. They managed 2 runs on 7 hits as Price went all 9 innings striking out 13 and not issuing a walk.

Dustin Pedroia accounted for most of the Red Sox offense with a single and double (37th of the year).

Buchholz (pictured) was charged with all 5 Tampa runs (4 earned) on 8 hits and 2 walks over 6 innings.

Prior to the game, the Red Sox honored the 2004 World Series championship team, bringing the players in via duck boats around the warning track.