Lester leads Red Sox to victory over Rays

Mar 10, 2014; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) pitches in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Spring Training is about getting back into baseball shape. The wins and losses don’t matter. But there is something satisfying about beating the Rays, even if it doesn’t count. The Red Sox beat the Rays 6-2 on Monday.

Jon Lester took the mound for the first time this spring. The lefty needed just 23 pitches (only four of which were balls) to complete three innings. His four strike outs and zero runs were impressive. He allowed only one hit. This spring training start bodes well for Lester’s upcoming Opening Day trip to the mound.

Chris Capuano also pitched for three innings, though the 35-year old righty gave up four hits including a home run to Evan Longoria. Anthony Ranaudo finished up the last two innings of the game with no runs on only 17 pitches.

The Sox offense, which had been quiet as of late, took center stage in this game. Will Middlebrooks had a two-hit day including a double. Catcher A.J. Pierzynski also had double. The offense didn’t stop there. David Ortiz and Mike Napoli hit it out of the park for their first and second home runs, respectively, of the spring. Relative newcomer Corey Brown had both a double and a homer.

The Sox head back to Ed Smith Stadium tomorrow at 1:05 with Allen Webster on the mound to start the game versus the Orioles.