Jon Lester shut down the Yankees in the final game of the four-game set, Daisuke Matsuzaka did enough in 5 2/3 innings to give Boston another win in Toronto and John Lackey deserved a win before a ninth-inning collapse against the Blue Jays in the series finale.
Clay Buchholz, however, continues to pitch like a No. 1 starter, in spite of his place as the Red Sox’ No. 3 arm behind Josh Beckett and Lester. That is why Buchholz has earned this week’s Amica Pitcher of the Week honors.
The right-hander went another eight innings on Wednesday — the second time in three starts — to pick up his 13th win of the year and second time in Toronto. Throwing eight innings of five-hit ball, Buchholz allowed only one run and struck out four in Boston’s 10-1 thrashing of the Blue Jays.
The start eerily mirrors the All-Star’s only other start in Toronto this season on April 27. In that start, his fourth of the season, Buccholz shut down the Blue Jays over eight innings, allowing seven hits, one run and striking out four. It seems as if the righty has their number.
Buchholz is now 13-5 with a 2.49 ERA, both tops on the team. He also has rebounded nicely since his first rough outing back from injury when he lasted just four innings in Oakland on July 21. In his four starts since, Buchholz is 3-0 with a 1.48 ERA, and the Red Sox haven’t lost in any of them.
Now six games behind the division-leading Yankees and just four behind the wild card-holding Rays, the Red Sox will need all of their starters to pitch like staff aces for the remainder of the season.
Clay Buchholz already has them covered.