BOSTON — Following his last start, Clay Buchholz promised stronger results.
After surrendering at least five runs in seven starts, the right-hander wanted to reward the Red Sox' offense for its run support. Buchholz aimed to accomplish the goal by providing stability and longevity moving forward.
Sunday's outing was a strong beginning toward ensuring that. Although he didn't receive a decision in the 4-3 loss to the Rays, Buchholz enjoyed his longest and best start, going seven innings while striking out a season-high six batters. He allowed just two runs.
"I've been able to start trusting [my changeup] again and start throwing it like I have in the past instead of trying to baby it, guide it and throw it for a strike," Buchholz said. "It's been just trying to throw a fastball with a different grip right now, and that's when it's at its best."
The first run Buchholz yielded was a byproduct of Adrian Gonzalez's inexperience in the outfield. When Matt Joyce roped a double into right field, Gonzalez fielded it cleanly, but he misfired on the cutoff throw to second base.
As a result of the fourth-inning error, Joyce advanced to third and ultimately scored on Ben Zobrist's groundout. Buchholz was still able to avoid the kind of big inning that has plagued him for the majority of April and May.
"I was very encouraged," Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said. "He looked good. He gave up that second run and he was still throwing pretty good. I thought we were going to pull that one out and get him what he deserved. I thought he deserved a win."
But Buchholz at least emerged with confidence. He tallied a season-high in pitches (111) and innings while matching lows in runs and walks (one), key components to regaining his old form.
"The big thing was I stayed out of the middle of the plate for the most part," Buchholz said. "When I missed, I missed off — either away or in. I felt like I was able to throw almost all my pitches for strikes at some point during the game. I felt this good my past three starts, just hadn't had the results."
Behind the backstop, Jarrod Saltalamacchia credit Buchholz's smooth start to the hurler's changeup. By leaning on the pitch, Buchholz was able to routinely induce weak contact from Tampa Bay's hitters.
"His changeup is so good," Saltalamacchia said. "It’s tough to sit back and wait on it when he’s throwing that fastball as hard as he does. He did a great job all around."
The win column didn't reflect it. But by providing stability and longevity, Buchholz earned a personal victory in itself.
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