BOSTON — Experiencing Patriots' Day for the first time, Walker Buehler had to adjust to a unique Boston baseball tradition — an 11:10 a.m. ET first pitch.

To be ready, the veteran right-hander stayed close to Fenway Park and made sure his morning routine was on point for his earliest professional start.

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Under clear blue skies and in front of a festive crowd, Buehler delivered his strongest performance since joining the Red Sox, steering Boston to a 4-2 win over the White Sox. The victory allowed the Sox to claim three of four games in a series that concluded with Monday's Massachusetts holiday.

How did Buehler prep for the early start?

“I set my alarm for 6:45 and left the hotel by 7:15 to head over and start getting ready,” said Buehler.

And ready he was.

Pitching seven full innings for the first time since May 2022, Buehler (now 3-1 with a 4.23 ERA) limited Chicago to just four hits and one run, while walking three and striking out nine.

Walker Buehler on his outing vs. Chicago Apr 22, 2025 · 0:51

Throwing 100 pitches — 63 of them for strikes — Buehler showcased the depth of his repertoire, mixing 30 four-seam fastballs with a healthy blend of cutters, sinkers, sweepers, and knuckle curves to keep hitters guessing.

“He was outstanding,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “If we can cut down on the walks a bit, he’ll be even tougher. He uses all his pitches smartly and really controlled the game. Triston [Casas] made a fantastic double play early on, but overall, Walk was brilliant.”

Alex Cora on Buehler’s outing, Campbell’s impact Apr 22, 2025 · 1:59

When was the last time Buehler had to wake up this early to pitch?

“Probably back in 2017, Double-A, facing Jack Flaherty,” Buehler recalled. “It was a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed day. I actually got a hit off Jack — I was thinking about that this morning.”

Minimal offense needed behind Buehler’s gem

Rob Refsnyder, making a rare start against a right-handed pitcher (Jonathan Cannon), provided an early jolt, belting a solo home run over the Green Monster in the second inning to tie the game 1-1.

“Rob’s got little kids, so he’s used to these early mornings,” joked Cora pregame.

Refsnyder’s blast traveled a projected 397 feet, according to Statcast.

Boston took control with a three-run third inning, fueled by an RBI single from the red-hot Trevor Story and a two-run knock by rookie Kristian Campbell.

Campbell, who admitted it was the earliest start he's had since high school, said the energy at Fenway made it easy to forget the early hour.

“It was incredible,” Campbell said. “The crowd. The city. Everyone was buzzing all game. It was packed. Such a cool atmosphere, and to finish the series with a win made it even better.”

Kristian Campbell’s clutch two-run hit Apr 22, 2025 · 0:30

After sealing the victory, several players headed to join fans celebrating the Boston Marathon — a tradition on a day that felt a bit chilly for baseball (53°F at first pitch) but ideal for marathon runners.

“For me, Patriots' Day is always special,” said Cora. “Now, we’ll get dressed and head to the finish line, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy everything the day has to offer.”

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