Buchholz struggles; Kelly shines
The Pawtucket Red Sox lost in 15 innings, 4-2 to Buffalo, because Pawtucket ran out of pitchers first. Catcher Carlos Maldonado took the mound in the bottom of the 15th and promptly gave up a walk and a home run.
Pawtucket went through pitchers quicker because starter Clay Buchholz showed little command. He lasted 3 2/3 innings, using 82 pitches (50 strikes), allowing 4 walks, 3 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), while striking out 3.
Daniel Bard had another two perfect innings of relief (2 K).
In low Class A, 2008 first-round draft pick Casey Kelly made his pro pitching debut.
Kelly, 19, who played shortstop in the rookie leagues last year (batting .344 in 9 games in Lowell), is thought to a better pitcher. He showed fine form Sunday, going 5 innings (4 H, 1 BB, 4 K).
Caleb Clay followed Kelly and pitched four innings (4H, 4 K), protecting the shutout. Clay, 21, is a 2006 first-round pick. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2007.
Portland even its record to 2-2 on Sunday with a 6-1 win. Josh Reddick homered for the third straight day, and Lars Anderson has hit safely in every game, so far.
Tonight, Portland left-handed prospect Felix Doubront makes his Double-A debut.
Posted at 07:39 AM
E-mail this entry to a friend