With the Yankees and Rays’ magic number at one last Monday, Buchholz delivered a superb performance to technically keep the Red Sox’ playoff hopes alive.
While the Red Sox officially fell out of contention later in the week, Buchholz stepped up for the Sox in a must-win situation. He came through with an eight-inning, one-run gem, in which the Red Sox beat the White Sox 6-1.
His performance also earned him the honor of Amica Pitcher of the Week.
Buchholz improved his chances at winning the Cy Young Award by moving into a tie for fifth place in the AL in wins with 17 and lowering his ERA to 2.33, which places him second behind Felix Hernandez. He’ll have one more chance to get that ERA lower on Saturday, when he takes the mound at Fenway Park for the final time of the season.