BOSTON — Look out for those Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox have followed their 10-game losing streak with their longest winning streak of 2014. The Sox took down the Atlanta Braves 4-0 on Wednesday at Fenway Park, marking Boston’s third straight victory.
Wednesday’s action at Fenway kicked off in a big way, as the 2004 World Series-winning team was honored as part of a pregame ceremony. Below are some notes from an eventful day at the yard.
— Clay Buchholz was placed on the 15-day disabled list before the game due to a hyper-extended left knee. Reliever Alex Wilson was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Buchholz suffered the injury Monday in Atlanta. He threw a bullpen session Wednesday at Fenway, after which the move was made.
“When he got into the bullpen, probably about the 18- or 20-pitch mark, there was some feeling of some instability,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said after the game. “Can’t say it’s structural, but when he tried to get increased intensity and get some finish to pitches, there was that sensation that was being felt.”
— The ceremony honoring the 10th anniversary of the 2004 World Series team was incredible, once again showing the Red Sox know their way around pregame festivities.
Manny Ramirez’s return, Curt Schilling’s surprise appearance and Johnny Damon cutting off Manny’s first pitch represented the highlights.
— John Lackey was excellent. He tossed 6 1/3 shutout innings, struck out nine and didn’t walk anyone.
Lackey leads all American League pitchers with three starts of at least nine strikeouts and no walks this season. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last two starts, spanning 13 1/3 innings.
— Chris Capuano escaped a bases-loaded jam in the seventh inning.
— Xander Bogaerts led the way offensively with three hits. He reached base four times and is hitting .395 (17-for-43) over his last 11 games.
— A.J. Pierzynski, Jonny Gomes and Jackie Bradley Jr. each collected two hits.
— Gomes again was in the lineup against a right-handed starter. He responded by sparking the Red Sox’s offense — something he’s had a knack for over the last year-plus.
Gomes hit a dribbler in the infield in the second inning. Shortstop Ramiro Pena charged it but fired an errant throw, enabling Gomes to reach second base. The Boston outfielder ended up scoring the game’s first run when Daniel Nava grounded into a double play.
Gomes scored Boston’s third run in the sixth inning and knocked in the club’s fourth run in the seventh inning.
“He’s one of the players that makes other players around him better,” Farrell said. “The way he talks the game, the confidence in which he speaks and he goes out and backs it up with some of the body language and the energy that he displays every night. He doesn’t take anything for granted.
“He’s had to work for everything he’s achieved throughout his career, and it’s a guy who plays on the edge. You feel it when he’s standing in the batter’s box or the way he interacts with everybody in the clubhouse.”
— Red Sox relievers have not allowed a run in their last 13 innings after another scoreless effort.
