Spring is over, time to begin defending the championship

Mar 29, 2014; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli (12) flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during their game at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The spring ends with the Boston Red Sox falling to the Minnesota Twins 7-4, and that is the final time this year the score doesn’t matter.

Jake Peavy put in five solid innings while giving up just three hits and walking one, striking out three and allowing a single run to finish the spring with an ERA of 2.13. Peavy will look to roll his hot spring into the regular season when he gets his first start in the home opener Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Mike Napoli accounted for two of the Red Sox’ six hits, and drove in three of the four runs. He came through with a solo home run in the bottom of the second while doubling in two runs in the third.

The Red Sox lifted the majority of their regulars in the fifth inning, and Stefan Welch got some playing time fresh off playing starting both games at third base for Team Australia against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers last week.

The big news of the day came in the top of the fourth inning when Shane Victorino was removed after aggravating his hamstring. He will be undergoing an MRI, and might not be able to start opening day, which might open up a roster spot for Jackie Bradley Jr., who was recently sent down to Triple-A.

The 25-man roster was thought to be set at the beginning of the day, and even with the Victorino injury, the pitching staff and infield are set. Jonathan Herrera will serve as the utility infielder and David Ross will remain the lone backup catcher, as Ryan Lavarnway has been sent to Triple-A. With Craig Breslow hitting the DL, Andrew Miller is the lone true left-handed reliever on the roster, with Chris Capuano also slated to start the season in the bullpen, but he will serve as a long reliever and spot starter.