Boston @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 30, 2013 ) Boston 7, Toronto 9

With another game on the verge of slipping away, the Toronto Blue Jays went with one of the only things working for them so far this season - the long ball. The homer-happy Blue Jays look to make it two wins in a row for the first time in nearly three weeks as they continue their three-game series against the visiting Boston Red Sox. Toronto pulled out a back-and-forth 9-7 win in Tuesday's series opener behind a two-homer effort from cleanup hitter Edwin Encarnacion.

Boston was denied in its bid for a franchise-record 19th win in April, but looks primed for a bounce-back as it sends Clay Buchholz to the mound in seach of his major league-leading sixth victory. Buchholz has been one of the top pitchers in the American League in 2013 and has a strong track record of success against the Blue Jays. Toronto counters with veteran left-hander Mark Buehrle, who is still looking to settle into his role as the Jays' No. 3 starter.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (5-0, 1.19 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Mark Buehrle (1-1, 6.35)

Buchholz has five quality starts in five trips to the mound, and has yet to surrender more than two runs in any outing. He was masterful last time out, limiting Houston to a pair of runs over 7 2/3 innings while racking up 10 strikeouts. The 28-year-old is 8-4 lifetime with a 2.60 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) against Toronto, including a 6-2 mark at the Rogers Centre. After allowing 25 home runs a season ago, Buchholz has surrendered just one in 37 2/3 innings this year.

Things were looking up for Buehrle following back-to-back quality starts against the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees, but a return engagement with the Bronx Bombers ruined whatever progress he had made. The 34-year-old was tagged for five runs on seven hits while surrendering three home runs during his five-inning stint, dropping him to 1-9 all-time against the Yankees. He has fared better against Boston, going 6-8 with a 4.64 ERA in 19 outings (18 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox DH David Ortiz, who homered and drove in four runs in the opener, is a .361 career hitter in 61 at-bats against Buehrle.

2. Encarnacion is just 1-for-15 lifetime against Buchholz.

3. Ortiz (Achilles) is batting .500 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in nine games since coming off the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 3, Blue Jays 2