Beckett Goes Five, Red Sox Blank Rays

The last two spring training games for the Red Sox have featured the 1-2 punch they will depend on to carry them through the season. The Sox’ number two starter Josh Beckett followed up on Jon Lester‘s dominant performance Monday night by blanking the Ray’s through five innings in the Red Sox 8-0 win. Very encouraging signs for a team whose season will depend greatly on the pitching staff.

Josh Beckett’s line: 5IP, 1H, 0ER, 3BB, 5K

Another encouraging sign for the Red Sox is Cody Ross‘ white hot spring to this point. When the Sox signed Ross the thought was his power to left field would be a perfect match for Fenway Park. I think they were right, Ross hit a 3-run bomb over the replica Green Monster in yesterday’s game. The righty now has a .342 BA, 4HR, 11RBI and a .1116 OPS in 38 at bats this spring.

Dustin Pedroia hit a triple in the sixth inning driving in Jacoby Ellsbury. Pedey’s batting average for the spring is .282.

Rays’ pitcher Brandon Gomes walked Pedroia with the bases loaded in the seventh before being replaced in favor of Jhonny Nunez. Nunez threw a wild pitch with the bases loaded allowing Nate Spears to score. Mauro Gomez then hit a 2-run single to give us the final score of 8-0.

Franklin Morales pitched a perfect inning in his third appearance of the spring and Mark Melancon pitched 1 1/3 perfect innings while striking out 2.

The Red Sox have an off day Wednesday and then the Blue Jays come to town on Thursday.