Final, Red Sox 7-0: This was Clay Buchholz's game from the very beginning.
He mixed his pitches well and stymied Baltimore's batters at will. Whether it as the curveball, changeup or fastball, he nailed his spots for his best outing of the season.
That was his third career complete game shutout, his first since June 4, 2010 at Baltimore.
End 8th, Red Sox 7-0: Can you believe Daniel Nava? He just keeps on crushing, starting the ninth with a double.
Then, Kevin Youkilis drove him in with a double of his own. But it's a real testament to Nava, who's done everything for the Red Sox.
Now, it's up to Buchholz to attempt to finish the game off on his terms.
Mid 8th, Red Sox 6-0: And Clay Buchholz has made it through another inning, his longest outing of the season.
He's at 111 pitches right now, which is a good chunk, but still allows for some leeway to go the distance and notch a complete game.
It's an interesting call for Bobby Valentine and I think he'll let Buchholz try to go all nine innings for his confidence.
End 7th, Red Sox 6-0: Orioles reliever Kevin Gregg came in for Miguel Gonzalez and tossed well.
He retired Will Middlebrooks, Mike Aviles and Darnell McDonald without any problems.
Gonzalez, however, collected his third hit of the game, which shows some serious improvement.
Mid 7th, Red Sox 6-0: After seven innings, Clay Buchholz is sitting tight with 89 pitches.
So in addition to being effective with his pitches, Buchholz has been very efficient. He's really been dominant and it's a sight that many people didn't expect to see after his early struggles.
His examples from the past should set the example for Daniel Bard. It took Buchholz a few stints in the minors — after savoring success at the majors — for him to work the kinks out.
End 6th, Red Sox 6-0: With that deep fly out, Dustin Pedroia is now 0-for-10 since returning from his thumb injury.
Before returning, Pedroia — and Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine — mentioned that it would take a bit to get timing back at the plate.
The splint is certainly a factor as well, since it takes getting used in adding it to the swing.
Mid 6th, Red Sox 6-0: The way that Buchholz is pitching, the bullpen is looking like they'll get some necessary time off.
He's thrown another 'zero' for the inning and has only yielded three hits through five innings. Two errors also allowed base runners to take base.
Buchholz has also racked up four strikeouts.
End 5th, Red Sox 6-0: Orioles reliever Miguel Gonzalez has filled in admirably in long relief, having thrown 44 pitches.
Even though the Sox haven't scored on him during the last two innings, they are certainly exhausting him just like they did with Matusz.
Mike Aviles was right on Wednesday, when he called the AL East a slugfest.
Mid 5th, Red Sox 6-0: Through five innings, Buchholz has been on top of his game, throwing 64 pitches with 40 for strikes.
He's mixing up his changeup, curveball and fastball and it's baffling the Orioles. If the Sox hold on, they would snap Baltimore's seven-game winning streak at Fenway.
That hot streak for the Orioles dates back to — gasp — last September.
End 4th, Red Sox 6-0: That was Gonzalez' first out of the game, but heading into the at-bat, he was 2-for-2 with a single and double.
Those are exactly the type of strides that he needs to turn the corner with his hitting. He also hasn't drawn a walk since the middle of May.
Mid 4th, Red Sox 6-0: Clay Buchholz made a terrible error, dropping a ball when he was going to step on first base for the out.
Fortunately for the pitcher, the Orioles didn't take advantage of the miscue. Buchholz responded by tossing his fourth straight scoreless inning.
This is slowly turning into quite the gem for Buchholz.
End 3rd, Red Sox 6-0: The Red Sox really like averaging two runs an inning, apparently.
Daniel Nava connected on a pitch, driving in two runs. Darnell McDonald also continued to ignite it with a double off the Green Monster.
Valentine praised McDonald earlier in the day.
"Darnell takes one day at time, he enjoys life, he enjoys the idea of being a major league performer," Valentine said. "He appreciates things. I like that he has a power factor can play three positions in the outfield, he's a decent base runner, he can bunt if needed."
Mid 3rd, Red Sox 4-0: After struggling against the Orioles earlier this season, Buchholz is rounding out into form.
He's found his changeup — after some time — and he's absolutely dealing, forcing opposing hitters to ground out into double plays.
That has to be an encouraging sign for the Red Sox.
End 2nd, Red Sox 4-0: The Red Sox are really getting to Matusz, who's already worn down and forcing the Orioles to get a reliever all warmed up.
Dustin Pedroia added to offensive onslaught, driving in a run with a ground out. A throwing error by the Orioles in that sequence allowed one more run to cross.
But Matusz absolutely couldn't find the strike zone in that inning.
Mid 2nd, Red Sox 2-0: Chris Davis, yes the same position player that pitched the Orioles to a victory in the 17-inning game, belted a double.
The Orioles were vying to pounce on Buchholz, but he remained sturdy under the pressure. He got Mark Reynolds and Wilson Betemit to pop up.
He's talked about avoiding those big innings. So far, so good.
End 1st, Red Sox 2-0: The Red Sox are really making Matusz work and are grinding out every single at-bat.
Adrian Gonzalez, who is hitting in the six hole, took advantage off the pitcher's fatigue by belting a two-run double to lift Boston to a lead.
Mike Aviles almost added to the damage, but his long fly ball dropped just right before the warning track.
Mid 1st, 0-0: That's a strong start for Clay Buchholz, who tossed a spotless frame to start if off.
He also capitalized on Baltimore's Adam Jones' cold bat, forcing the outfielder to ground out into a double play to end the inning.
The only one to collect a hit off Buchholz in the first inning was Endy Chavez.
6:30 p.m.: Here are the lineups.
Red Sox
Daniel Nava, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
David Ortiz, DH
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, RF
Mike Aviles, SS
Darnell McDonald, CF
Kelly Shoppach, C
Clay Buchholz, P
Orioles
Endy Chavez, RF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Adam Jones, CF
Matt Wieters, C
Chris Davis, DH
Mark Reynolds, 1B
Wilson Betemit, 3B
Ryan Flaherty, LF
Robert Andino, 2B
Brian Matusz, P
8 a.m. ET: The Orioles (32-24) have won seven straight games at Fenway Park against the Red Sox (28-28) dating back to Sept. 20, 2011. The team has the franchise record for most consecutive wins in Boston and is looking to break out the brooms with a sweep on Thursday.
Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz, who is 5-2 with a 6.58 ERA, will be looking to halt the Orioles' winning ways and lift the Sox back over .500. The right-hander has been enjoying a strong stretch over his last two starts, going 15 innings while just allowing four runs. He'll be up against Orioles starter Brian Matusz, who is coming off a strong start against the Rays where he struck out seven and allowed just one run.
For details and analysis from Fenway, follow NESN.com's live blog. Tune into NESN's pregame show at 6 p.m. First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m.
