Game 57: A's 6 Sox 8

Not Buchholz's best day today but the Sox come back for the win. Buchholz had an ugly first inning giving up 4 runs on 5 singles and a fielder's choice. But the Sox claw back with 2 in the 1st, 1 in the 2nd, and 2 in the 3rd, chasing A's starter Outman. Buchholz gives the lead back up with 1 in the 4th and 1 in the 5th before getting the hook.

Sox load the bases in the 7th with only one out but it felt like they were going to squander the opportunity when Lowrie flied out too shallow for the sacrifice. But Crawford worked his clutch magic against Fuentes and got the two run single to give the Sox the lead back. Saltalamacchia hit a deep homer in the 8th for insurance and Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth for the save.

Glad they won that game as losing 5 in a row especially with Oakland just getting in town after being swept by the Yanks would have been heartbreaking. Word on the street is that Buchholz had a cranky back that's accounted for his recent struggles. Francona may try to give him a few extra days of rest to get back on track.