MLB: Boston 4, Toronto 1

TORONTO, July 17 (UPI) -- Clay Buchholz, in his first start of the season, allowed a lone run over 5 2/3 innings Friday to help Boston win its fourth straight game -- 4-1 over Toronto.

Buchholz (1-0) was called up from Class AAA Pawtucket to make the start and gave up only four hits with three strikeouts.

The Blue Jays produced a single hit against three Boston relievers. Jonathan Papelbon threw eight pitches while working a perfect ninth for his 24th save.

Boston managed just six hits, but one of them was a two-run homer by Kevin Youkilis in the first and another was a two-run double by David Ortiz in the fifth.

The Red Sox were playing for the first time since the All-Star break and took a three-game lead in the AL East over the New York Yankees into the second half of the season.

Toronto lost for the sixth time in seven games and has dropped five of its seven meetings with the Red Sox this year.

Ricky Romero (7-4) allowed all four runs on five hits with five walks and eight strikeouts in 4 1/3.