4 real? Four at bats that changed the game. Red Sox vs Rays 4-14-13

Game 11: Red Sox win 5-0

Starting pitching is the key to winning games. It is clear that this year's bunch of pitchers is NOT stuck in last year's rut. Clay Buchholz put together another fine outing, pitching eight strong innings and having his no-hit bit spoiled late in the game. Here are the four at bats that changed the game:

1) Bottom of the third inning, and the top three in the batting order single for the Red Sox. The bases are loaded for Mike Napoli, who scorches a pitch that lands at the base of the triangle. Not sure how all three runs don't score, but the Red Sox lead 2-0.

2) Still in the bottom of the third inning, and the bases are loaded for Stephen Drew. Drew grounds to James Loney. Yunel Escobar gets the force at second, but his throw back to first is no good, and the Red Sox score two more on the errant throw. 4-0 Red Sox.

3) Top of the eight inning, and Clay Buchholz has yet to give up a hit. The first man up, Kelly Johnson, singles to shallow left, and as it falls into left field, the fans of Fenway rise up give Buchholz a standing ovation for a great pitching performance. No, he won't pitch a no-hitter today, but Clay gave the team 8 great innings and leaves them with a 4-0 lead going to the eight inning. I, for one, am glad Buchholz will not come back out for the ninth. With a high pitch count, you don't want the to ruin him for the next outing, and a win is a win!

3)Bottom of the eight inning, and the Red Sox put an exclamation point on the game. Dustin Pedroia starts the inning with a double high off the Green Monster and gets to third on a groun out. Will Middlebrooks flies out to deep right field, and Sam Fuld's throw to home is late. 5-0 Red Sox

And the game ends 5-0 Red Sox, as Buchholz lowers his ERA to 0.41. A great start for him, and the Red Sox starters now have a 2.07 ERA to start the season.

Tomorrow is Marathon Monday (Patriots Day in Massachusetts)so the Red Sox will play at 11:05am. Jeremy Hellickson vs Ryan Dempster.

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