Hits for Lavarnway in Sox first exhibition game

Feb 23, 2014; Ft Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher

poses during photo day at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

The boys of summer were back in business this afternoon, albeit an exhibition game against the Northeastern Huskies. The Sox “won” 5-2 after 6 1/2 innings in the first half of the double header. If the Sox were rusty they didn’t show it. Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli each had a hit. Ryan Lavarnway knocked a single and a double. Brandon Workman threw two innings, faced six batters, and struck out two.

The Sox got a look at some new-to-us names and faces as well. Jonathan Herrera showed off his wheels when he stole a base in the second inning. Scott Cousins got a hit. Henry Owens pitched for just one inning during which he allowed two runs, the Huskies’ only runs of the game, but also struck out two.

One can only imagine the excitement these college athletes have to get to play with the big leaguers. Northeastern is located on the land that once held the Huntington Avenue Grounds, the first home of the Red Sox back in the day. There is a plaque on the ground to mark the place of the former home plate.

Tomorrow the Sox host their Chairman’s Cup rivals and Spring Training neighbors the Minnesota Twins at 1:05pm.