Buchholz settles in, gets back in win column

TORONTO -- Clay Buchholz overcame a shaky first inning to record his first win since Opening Day, a 6-3 victory in the series finale against the Blue Jays on Sunday to snap his streak of four straight losing decisions.

Buchholz issued three walks in the first inning -- though none scored -- before settling in to toss 6 1/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits to help the Red Sox snap a three-game losing streak.

"That's how it's supposed to work," the veteran right-hander said of escaping the early jam. "It doesn't always work that way, but when it does, it just gives the team a little bit of a boost."

The right-hander delivered his fourth quality start, faltering minimally in the fourth, fifth and seventh, allowing a run in each. His three strikeouts moved him within one of tying Hall of Famer Lefty Grove for 16th on the club's all-time list. He also improved to 9-3 over his career at Rogers Centre.

"Clay felt his way, somewhat, through the first inning with the three walks allowed, but then settled into a pretty good rhythm," Red Sox manager John Farrell said.

Video: BOS@TOR: Buchholz remains in game despite discomfort

Buchholz was dealing with a sore left ankle after he hurt it in the fourth going toward first base to cover on a grounder. He said he rolled it, but neither he nor Farrell expected it to be problematic.

"He didn't show any favoring of anything through his delivery, so we stayed with him," Farrell said.