Game 1: Pedroia's Homer the Difference, Sox top Rays 3-1

Clay Buchholz threw 7 strong innings, taking only 97 pitches to record 21 outs, giving up 5 hits, 3 walks, and an earned run while recording 5 strikeouts. The only earned run was scored on an infield single by Jason Bartlett. Dustin Pedroia attempted an off-balance throw to first, but didn't have any real shot at getting the out. The ball would briefly get away from Casey Kotchman, and Gabe Gross would try to score from second, but a strong throw by Kotchman and a great block by Victor Martinez would cut him down.

Unfortunately for Clay's record, the Sox didn't do much better against Matt Garza for the first 7 innings, scoring only one run in the 6th when Victor Martinez singled in Dustin Pedroia, who had doubled high off the monster. It wasn't until the 8th that the Sox did any serious damage, as David Ortiz, pinch hitting for Nick Green, doubled over the head of right fielder Gabe Gross. Joey Gathright would pinch run, but his speed wouldn't be needed as Dustin Pedroia connected for his second hit of the game, and 13th home run of the season, depositing Garza's 2-0 fastball into the bullpen.

Hideki Okajima would pitch a perfect 8th, and Jonathan Papelbon closed out the game, allowing an infield hit to Akinori Iwamura but otherwise striking out the side.

The Red Sox will have Jon Lester on the mound for the second part of the double-header. The Rays respond with James Shields, who would have faced Lester had the game on Friday gone off as planned. Lester had a shaky start in the first on Friday, loading the bases with 1 out before the game was called due to rain. Hopefully he can take advantage of his clean slate tonight.