TORONTO -- Daniel Bard's first start in the big leagues took years to happen, but just over five innings to end.
Bard, whose move to the rotation from the bullpen has been the source of debate since last winter, was charged with five runs on eight hits in a one-sided Red Sox loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, 7-3.
He was nicked for a run in the first and two more in the third before seemingly settling into a groove and retiring eight of nine hitters from the third through the fifth.
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Of the eight hits against him, just one was for extra bases and four of the singles were of the groundball variety.
But after allowing a leadoff walk and infield hit, he was lifted for Justin Thomas, who allowed both inherited runners to score, plus another of his own doing.
The Sox offense could do little against Kyle Drabek, who checked the Sox on just three hits in 5 13 innings. The Sox cuffed Drabek around twice last year in the pitcher's rookie season, scoring 12 runs on 15 hits in nine innings, but this was a different Drabek.
The first run came in the sixth when Jacoby Ellsbury walked, went to third on a double by Dustin Pedroia and scored on Adrian Gonzalez's second sacrifice fly in as many games.
The Sox put together a mini two-out rally in the 9th, but it ultimately fell short after they scored two runs and David Ortiz struck out looking with runners on second and third.
Boston was 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and stranded ten baserunners.