MLB: Buchholz flirts with no-hitter in Red Sox win

Clay Buchholz #11 of the Boston Red Sox leaves the field after pitching the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on April 14, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. Buchholz took a no hitter into the eighth inning. Jim Rogash/Getty Images/AFP

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Boston righthander Clay Buchholz took a no-hitter into the eighth inning and struck out 11 as the Red Sox blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0 on Sunday at Fenway Park.

Buchholz had issued just four walks before surrendering a leadoff single to Kelly Johnson in the top of the eighth. He gave up one more hit before completing the inning.

It was the third consecutive superb effort to start the season for Buchholz, who has surrendered just one run over 14 innings.

Dustin Pedroia went three-for-four with a run scored to pace the Red Sox offense.

The Rays had three hits in the game and have scored just four runs over their past four contests. Tampa Bay has now lost five of the last six games.

Alex Cobb pitched 6 2/3 innings for Tampa Bay, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out six Red Sox batters.