Buchholz almost perfect on Memorial Day

Clay Buchholz flirted with International League immortality on Monday night as he pitched a complete game, 1 hit shutout to lead the PawSox past Louisville 3-0. Buchholz (3-0, 1.30) retired the first 24 hitters he faced.

Danny Richar sliced a single into leftfield to lead off the ninth and end his bid for a perfect game and no-hitter. Buchholz was disappointed after the game, lamenting the fact that he had come so close to perfection. He threw 96 pitches and his control was so good that he only went to a 3 ball count once (3d inning to Michael Griffin). His fastball topped out at 97 miles per hour as he struck out 7 hitters.

Dusty Brown and Paul McAnulty hit back to back solo homers in the sixth for the PawSox. The series continues on Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Kris Johnson faces Adam Pettyjohn.