Buchholz struggles, Sox lose

SARASOTA, Fla. -- A previously sluggish Orioles lineup came alive for the second consecutive game, resulting in a 6-5 win over the Red Sox at Ed Smith Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz allowed five runs, including a pair of homers, over five innings in his fourth Grapefruit League start. The right-hander was charged with seven hits and a walk, and he struck out three, raising his spring ERA to 4.80.

The Red Sox didn't exactly trot out their "A" squad for this game but it's still discouraging none the less. Buchholz has pitched well this spring until today so there's no reason to be alarmed.

Offensively the Sox were paced by Darnell McDonald who had 3 hits and continues to hit well this spring. I can't imagine when the last time he hit 4th was so you can certainly see why he might have been a little amped up today. With Crawford's injury McDonald is almost guaranteed a spot on the roster.

The Sox are going through a challenging stretch of games: Night game at home tonight, hour and a half bus ride to Sarasota Friday, split-squad games Saturday, one in Jupiter, road games in Dunedin and Clearwater Sunday and Monday. Let's hope the boys like bus trips!