Red Sox Romp Orioles, 14 to 6

BOSTON: 0 2 3 4 0 0 1 4 0 - 14 17 0

BALTIMORE: 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 - 6 8 2

Two grand slams in one game! Oh yes, the Boston Red Sox are on a hitting tear. All the Boston starters had at least one hit. Please don't burn out before the regular season starts! An excellent victory against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore's home field, Ed Smith Stadium. A seven inning outing for Lester in which he only gave up one run. Embree came on in relief and he gave up four runs. He has given up that many runs in a couple of relief outings - is he ready to be back? Back home for the Red Sox tomorrow.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Jon Lester (1)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Jason Berken, Losing Pitcher: Jason Berken

BOSTON: Homeruns: Victor Martinez (2, 3 Grand Slam), Kevin Frandsen (1 Grand Slam)

BALTIMORE: Homerun: Ty Wigginton

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 16, Losses: 14, Ties: 1

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Thursday 1 April 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Minnesota Twins, City of Palms Park, John Lackey

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Red Sox and Rays, Nine All

BOSTON: 2 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 - 9 14 0

TAMPA BAY: 0 0 2 2 0 0 4 1 0 - 9 16 0

"Even Steven." That's what happened between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays today in Charlotte Sports Park. The lead went back and forth over the course of the game and finally ended with no winner and no loser - just evenness. I suspect that the lack of enough personnel was one of the reasons there wasn't a tenth inning - many players were utilized on both sides this afternoon. As Wakefield was pitching in a Minor League game, prospect Casey Kelly got the start and did well. Third day for double digit hitting from the Red Sox - must be a record! Too bad there couldn't be a winner, but I'm glad that neither team was insistent on having a tenth inning - there will plenty of extra inning games in the regular season. Boston is staying on the road for their game tomorrow. Perhaps that game will have a definite result.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Casey Kelly, Winning/Losing Pitcher: No One

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Joaquin Benoit, Winning/Losing Pitcher: No One

BOSTON: Homerun: Anthony Rizzo (1), Josh Reddick (2)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 15, Losses: 14, Ties: 1

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Wednesday 31 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Baltimore Orioles, Ed Smith Stadium, Jon Lester

Baseball from Microsoft Clip Art

Tampa Bay Triples Boston

TAMPA BAY: 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 4 0 - 9 11 2

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 - 3 13 4

Today the Boston Red Sox outscored the Tampa Bay Rays in two categories. Unfortunately, neither was the one category that counted in obtaining a win. Boston did manage to have double digit hitting two games in a row, but somehow a comparable number of runs never materialized in City of Palms Park for the team. So, although Beckett pitched six inning and only gave up three runs, the Red Sox lack of run production contributed to the loss. Tomorrow Boston will play Tampa Bay again, though this time at the Rays home field. Can Boston return the favor?

=============================================

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Jeff Niemann, Winning Pitcher: Jeff Niemann

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Losing Pitcher: Josh Beckett (1)

TAMPA BAY: Homeruns: Evan Longoria, Nevin Ashley

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 15, Losses: 14

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Tuesday 30 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Tampa Bay Rays, Charlotte Sports Park, Casey Kelly

Tampa Bay Rays logo from the website mlb.com

Happy Birthday Scott Barham Atchison!!!

Scott Barham Atchison was born on Monday 29 March 1976 in Denton, Texas. Scott is thirty-four years old today and is a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Have a terrific day Scott!



Scott’s photo from the website boston.redsox.mlb.com

Red Sox Tower Twins, 11 to 5

MINNESOTA: 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 5 8 0

BOSTON: 2 0 2 4 0 3 0 0 x - 11 16 1

The Boston Red Sox were full of hitting riches today from several players, including two homeruns from the designated hitters, for a good combination of longball and shortball. And because of this win over the Minnesota Twins, Boston won the Fort Myers Mayor's Cup. It was an extra special highlight to the City of Palms Park victory. Though Clay didn't go six innings, he did pick up his first win of Spring Training. He'll have another start before the regular season begins. Boston stays home for another day and has its last evening game of the pre-season.

=============================================

MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Carl Pavano, Losing Pitcher: Carl Pavano

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (1)

MINNESOTA: Homerun: Joe Mauer

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (4), Tug Hulett (2)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 15, Losses: 13

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Monday 29 March 2010, 4:05 p.m.PT/7:05 p.m.ET, Tampa Bay Rays, City of Palms Park, Josh Beckett

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Orioles Overfly Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 1 6 2

BALTIMORE: 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 x - 6 12 0

Well the current winning streak for the Boston Red Sox ended today in Ed Smith Stadium. It had lasted for three games and Boston lost to the bats of the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles had the better hitting and pitching in the game. Boston's starting pitching was fine, but giving up the two Baltimore runs was more than enough for their win. Boston didn't hit enough today and just barely missed being shutout. Boston is at home tomorrow and once again playing the Minnesota Twins. Let's start a new streak for the final week.
=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Lackey, Losing Pitcher: John Lackey (1)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: David Hernandez, Winning Pitcher: David Hernandez

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 14, Losses: 13

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Sunday 28 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Minnesota Twins, City of Palms Park, Clay Buchholz

Baltimore Orioles logo from the website mlb.com

Boston Bewilders Toronto, 3 to 2

TORONTO: 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 2 9 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 - 3 7 3

Surprise, Boston, surprise! In the City of Palms Park, the Boston Red Sox managed to avoid scoring any runs in this game against the Toronto Blue Jays until the last possible inning. And in that ninth inning, the Red Sox got (1 run) on board, (2 runs) tied, and (3 runs) won. Now that's a 1,2,3 inning! And the final score was half the previous two days results. Lester had his six innings of pitching and struck out five batters. For tomorrow, the Red Sox hit the road.

=============================================

TORONTO: Starting Pitcher: Brett Cecil, Losing Pitcher: Zach Jackson

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Winning Pitcher: Ramon S. Ramirez (1)

=============================================

RED SOX: Win: 14, Losses: 12

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Saturday 27 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Baltimore Orioles, Ed Smith Stadium, John Lackey

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Boston Fries Florida, 6 to 4

FLORIDA: 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 - 4 9 1

BOSTON: 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 0 x - 6 12 0

A win for the Boston Red Sox two days in a row and two days in a row the same score. Amazingly, the Red Sox had no homers against the Florida Marlins today, yet Boston had four more hits than yesterday. Getting the job done one bag (or two) at a time. Wakefield pitched six innings (the regular season is approaching) and had strikeouts, base on balls, homerun in pursuit of today's victory at City of Palms Park. Boston gets to stay put for another day. Will there actually be some home field advantage tomorrow?

=============================================

FLORIDA: Starting Pitcher: Chris Volstad, Losing Pitcher: Chris Volstad

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (3)

BOSTON: Save: Scott Atchison (1)

FLORIDA: Homerun: Dan Uggla

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 13, Losses: 12

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Friday 26 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Toronto Blue Jays, City of Palms Park, Jon Lester

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Red Sox Repel Pirates, 6 to 4

BOSTON: 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 - 6 8 0

PITTSBURGH: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 - 4 7 0

Today the Boston Red Sox experienced an event that had eluded them for some time - a win! Not only a win, but a road victory. And Josh has apparently completely recovered from his recent illness. He pitched five innings and only gave up one run to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Great! There were also some Boston homers out of McKechnie Field in today's game that accounted for fifty percent of the Red Sox runs scored. Now the questions is, can they repeat the feat tomorrow at home? It would be wonderful if the Red Sox could have as long a winning streak to begin the finish of the pre-season, as their recent losing streak.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Josh Beckett (1)

PITTSBURGH: Starting Pitcher: Paul Maholm, Losing Pitcher: Paul Maholm

BOSTON: Homeruns: Victor Martinez (1), Bill Hall (1), Mike Cameron (2)

PITTSBURGH: Homeruns: Jeremy Farrell, Delwyn Young

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 12, Losses: 12

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Thursday 25 March 2010, 10:05 a,m,PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Florida Marlins, City of Palms Park, Tim Wakefield

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Minnesota Minces Boston

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 - 2 8 1

MINNESOTA: 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 x - 7 8 0

Well, in a different scenario today from several recent games, the Boston Red Sox's winning opponent scored a large number of runs early in the contest. Today it was the Minnesota Twins in their home park, Hammond Stadium, who pulled off that feat. So this time, it was the Boston starting pitching that was the culprit. Good to share the pain. The Red Sox matched the Twins in the number of hits, but were only able to convert them to two runs. And it was a homerless day for all. Boston is still on the road tomorrow. At this point in time it makes no difference if Boston is at home or away - the conclusion is the same and it's not a good one.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Losing Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (1)

MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Carl Pavano, Winning Pitcher: Carl Pavano

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 11, Losses: 12

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Wednesday 24 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Pittsburgh Pirates, McKechnie Field, Josh Beckett

Minnesota Twins logo from the website mlb.com

Happy Birthday Ronald David Johnson!!!

Ronald David Johnson was born on Friday 23 March 1956 in Long Beach, California. Ron is fifty-four years old today and is the First Base Coach for the Boston Red Sox. He played for the Kansas City Royals and the Montreal Expos during his Major League career. Have a great day Ron!

Ron's photo is from the 2010 Boston Red Sox Media Guide

Tampa Bay Taters Boston

TAMPA BAY: 0 4 1 1 4 0 1 0 0 - 11 13 1

BOSTON: 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 3 - 9 15 1

City of Palms Park witnessed homeruns throughout the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. The trouble is most of them were by the Rays. As were the number of scored runs. This was the third loss in a row for Boston. The Red Sox had a rally in the late innings but it was not enough to overcome the Rays. Boston has displayed hitting and run scoring in recent games, but the pitching needs to be more effective. Tomorrow Boston hits the road to play just one game. Let's hope having everyone together will bring victory.
=============================================
TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: James Shields, Winning: James Shields
BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Boof Bonser, Losing Pitcher: Boof Bonser (2)
TAMPA BAY: Save: Heath Rollins
TAMPA BAY: Homeruns: Kelly Shoppach, Evan Longoria, Ben Zobrist, Sean Rodriguez, Hank Blalock
BOSTON: Homerun: Ray Chang (1)
=============================================
RED SOX: Wins: 11, Losses: 11
=============================================
Next Spring Training game: Tuesday 23 March 2010, 4:05 p.m.PT/7:06 p.m.ET, Minnesota Twins, Hammond County Stadium, Clay Buchholz

Tampa Bay Rays logo from the website mlb.com

Cardinals Crush Red Sox

BOSTON: 2 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 1 - 8 13 4

ST. LOUIS: 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 7 x - 13 20 0

It was an error-filled game for the Boston Red Sox in Roger Dean Stadium today and another losing one for Boston. Although the Red Sox lead most of the game, the St. Louis Cardinals had a seven-run late inning rally, and combined with the Red Sox errors, secured their win. It is the second game in a row that Boston lost to an opponent who had a large run-scoring inning towards the end of the game. Boston has to hold on to leads and not give games away.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Michael Bowden, Losing Pitcher: Ramon A. Ramirez (1)

ST. LOUIS: Starting Pitcher: Brad Penny, Winning Pitcher: Ryan Franklin

ST. LOUIS: Homerun: Jason LaRue

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 11 , Losses: 10

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Tuesday 23 March 2010, 4:05 p.m.PT/7:05 p.m.ET, Minnesota Twins, Hammond County Stadium, Clay Buchholz

St. Louis Cardinals logo from the website mlb.com

Houston Handles Boston

HOUSTON: 1 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 - 10 11 1

BOSTON: 0 5 0 0 0 2 0 x - 7 12 1

An eight inning game was played at City of Palms Park today and it was two innings too long for the Boston Red Sox. It's too bad that the rain didn't arrive earlier and the game called at the end of the sixth inning with Boston ahead by three runs. Instead there was a seventh inning and the Houston Astros reigned over Papelbon and then Houston lead by three runs. Hope this type of outing will not be repeated by Papelbon in the regular season - two years in row would be awful. At least the hitting and run scoring was there for the Red Sox - one additional hit and run than in yesterday's game. Another two-game day for Boston tomorrow with both of them scheduled for the same time - want different results.

=============================================

HOUSTON: Starting Pitcher: Bud Norris, Winning Pitcher: Brian Moehler

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Jonathan Papelbon (1)

HOUSTON: Save: Chris Sampson

HOUSTON: Homeruns: Kazuo Matsui, Chris Johnson

BOSTON: Homeruns: Mike Cameron (1), Dustin Pedroia (1)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 11, Losses: 9

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Monday 22 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, St. Louis Cardinals, Roger Dean Stadium, Michael Bowden

Next Spring Training game: Monday 22 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Tampa Bay Rays, City of Palms Park, Boof Bonser

Houston Astros logo from the website mlb.com

Red Sox At Blue Jays - CANCELLED

Today's game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays has been cancelled due to rain. The second game today with the Red Sox against the Houston Astros is being played as scheduled.

Image is from the website iconspedia.com

Boston Blanks Baltimore, 6 to 0

BALTIMORE: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 4 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 3 x - 6 11 0

In this game, the only homers were Boston Red Sox ones. In fact, the only runs were Red Sox ones. Finally a win! Not only a win, but a shutout of the Baltimore Orioles. An excellent way to welcome Spring in City of Palms Park. This was the ideal combination of good pitching and good hitting on the part of the Red Sox. A much better outing for Wakefield than his previous one - the knuckle baller has returned! Don't know if Rich (a fellow patron of my favorite sports living bar) is still in Florida, but if so, I hope he was able to see this game - so much better than Wednesday's! Split squads tomorrow, one away and one at home, and both at the same starting time - let's have the two games experience the same result as today. It's time to start a new winning streak.

=============================================

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Chris Tillman, Losing Pitcher: Chris Tillman

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (2)

BOSTON: Homeruns: Kevin Youkilis (1), Marco Scutar0 (1)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 11, Losses: 8

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Sunday 21 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Toronto Blue Jays, Dunedin Stadium, Felix Doubront

Next Spring Training game: Sunday 21 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Houston Astros, City of Palms Park, Jon Lester

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Pittsburgh Passes Boston

BOSTON: 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 - 7 14 1

PITTSBURGH: 0 1 1 2 2 0 2 1 x - 9 13 1

A half dozen homers cleared McKechnie Field today, unfortunately two-thirds of them were by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Thank you Ortiz and Hermida for your combined three runs producing yardsters. It was only in the number of hits that the Boston Red Sox outdid the Pirates in the game. Well, the hitting came back to the Red Sox and they scored one run for every two hits, but it just wasn't enough against the Pirates. As his outing today was poor, perhaps Beckett came back too soon from his illness, though he does need the innings. Come on Boston - five losses in a row?? You can do better. You MUST do better!

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Losing Pitcher: Jorge Sosa (1)

PITTSBURGH: Starting Pitcher: Paul Maholm, Winning Pitcher: Jeff Karstens

PITTSBURGH: Save: Jean Machi

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (3), Jeremy Hermida (1)

PITTSBURGH: Homeruns: Delwyn Young, Garrett Jones, Steve Pearce, John Raynor

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 10, Losses: 8

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Saturday 20 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Baltimore Orioles, City of Palm Park, Tim Wakefield

Pittsburgh Pirates logo from the website mlb.com

Mets Rock Red Sox

NY METS: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 - 4 5 1

BOSTON: 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 2 7 0

I guy I know from my favorite New England sports living bar, Rich, was at the game today. He had traveled to Florida to take in Spring Training. Sorry Rich that it wasn't a better outcome. The Boston Red Sox have continued their losing streak with this fourth loss. Even being back in the home field, City of Palms Park, was not of help to Boston. It was just one inning of runs that enabled the New York Mets to be victorious. One positive for Boston was the starting pitching, which was good. Boston is now in a three-way tie for sixth place in the Grapefruit League. Thankfully, the Red Sox have tomorrow off, gamewise. Let's start a winning streak on Friday.

=============================================

NY METS: Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey, Winning Pitcher: Elmer Dessens

BOSTON: Starting: John Lackey, Losing Pitcher: Ramon S. Ramirez (1)

NY METS: Save: Tobi Stoner

NY METS: Homerun: Fernando Martinez

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 10, Losses 7

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Friday 19 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Pittsburgh Pirates, Mckechnie Field, Josh Beckett

New York Mets logo from the website mlb.com

Rays Rout Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 4 1

TAMPA BAY: 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 3 x - 7 11 0

The Boston Red Sox certainly showed their consistency today. For the second game of the day, as in the first game, Boston had four hits and scored exactly zero runs. The one difference is that they did commit one error in the game. This afternoon's recipient of Boston's lack of hitting were the Tampa Bay Rays who received the win at Charlotte Sports Park. The Red Sox are now on a three game losing streak. Guess they'll need some Irish luck tomorrow to get back on the winning side. Come on Red Sox, win!

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Felix Doubront, Losing Pitcher: Boof Boonser (1)

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Wade Davis, Winning Pitcher: Wade Davis

TAMPA BAY: Save: Andy Sonnanstine

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 10 , Losses: 6

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Wednesday 17 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, New York Mets, City of Palms Park, John Lackey

Tampa Bay Rays logo from the website mlb.com

Astros Ace Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 4 0

HOUSTON: 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 x - 3 8 1

Although Osceola County Stadium was a new site for the Boston Red Sox this pre-season, unfortunately the first visit was not an enjoyable one for the Red Sox. They were shutout by the Houston Astros. The hitting prowess displayed yesterday was definitely absent today. However, that is nothing new - Boston regularly has a dramatic hitting falloff the day after the team amasses a great number of hits. I have no explanation for why this consistently happens, but it is a Red Sox reality. The one bright note today was Jon Lester's pitching, as he only gave up one run in the four innings he pitched. Another Red Sox squad plays later today - perhaps they will have a wining outcome.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Jon Lester (2)

HOUSTON: Starting Pitcher: Roy Oswalt, Winning Pitcher: Roy Oswalt

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 10, Losses: 5

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Tuesday 16 March 2010, 4:05 pm.PT/7:05 p.m.ET, Tampa Bay Rays, Charlotte Sports Park, Felix Doubront

Houston Astros logo from the website mlb.com

Baltimore Batters Boston

BALTIMORE: 1 0 4 0 0 1 2 0 0 - 8 15 0

BOSTON: 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 - 4 12 0

There was a hitfest at the City of Palms Park today. The Boston Red Sox homered in all their runs; however the Baltimore Orioles not only homered in more runs, they also added several more of them in less dramatic fashion. The result was a rare Spring Training home loss for the Red Sox. Pitchers on both teams were banged up the batters. Tomorrow is split squad action for Boston and hope they can maintain the level of today's hitting, but with winning results. Both games tomorrow are on the road.

=============================================

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Brad Bergesen, Winning Pitcher: Brad Bergesen

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Losing Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (1)

BALTIMORE: Homeruns: Luke Scott, Brandon Snyder

BOSTON: Homeruns: David Ortiz (2), Josh Reddick (1)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 10 , Losses: 4

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Tuesday 16 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Houston Astros, Osceola County Stadium, Jon Lester

Baltimore Orioles logo from the website mlb.com

Happy Birthday Kevin Edmund Youkilis!!!

Kevin Edmund Youkilis was born on Thursday 15 March 1979 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kevin is thirty-one years old today and is an infielder for the Boston Red Sox. In celebration of his birthday, Kevin has the day off from playing in the Spring Training home game against the Baltimore Orioles. Have a wonderful day Kevin!

Kevin's photo from the website boston.redsox.mlb.com

Red Sox Take Twins, 6 to 4

BOSTON: 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 0 - 6 10 0
MINNESOTA: 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 4 5 2

Could it be that the Boston Red Sox are aiming for road warrior status? If so, I'm all for it. This win in Hammond Stadium was accomplished without the starting pitching of Josh Beckett (he's ill), but did see the first appearance of catcher Jason Varitek. Although the Minnesota Twins came out strong, they weren't able to increase their lead enough to overtake the Red Sox after they scored in the middle innings. And of course Boston's relief pitching kept the Twins to just one hit after the first inning. The Red Sox picked up the hitting pace and were able to claim another road victory. They are home again tomorrow. Road, home, road, home. Such is the life during the pre-season.
=============================================
BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Ryan Miller, Winning Pitcher: Ramon A. Ramirez (1)

MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Kevin Slowey, Losing Pitcher: Glen Perkins
BOSTON: Save: Scott Patterson (1)
=============================================
RED SOX: Wins: 10, Losses: 3
=============================================
Next Spring Training game: Monday 15 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Baltimore Orioles, City of Palms Park

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Red Sox Plank Pirates, 3 to 2

PITTSBURGH: 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 - 2 4 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 x - 3 6 1

It was pitchers duel day at the City of Palms Park. Hitters were effectively shutdown by Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates pitching through the fifth inning. However, it was a homerun in the sixth that was the breakthrough hit and allowed the Pirates to get on the board first. They would also score the last run of the game, but in between the Red Sox managed to score three runs and secure their win. Boston is now in second place in the Grapefruit League standings, behind the first place Tampa Bay Rays. For what seems like the umpteenth (actually fourth) time this pre-season, tomorrow Boston will play Minnesota. The Twins will be doing the hosting and the Red Sox, one hopes, will be doing the winning.

=============================================

PITTSBURGH: Starting Pitcher: Paul Maholm, Losing Pitcher: Chris Jakuauskas

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Brian Shouse (1)

BOSTON: Save: Michael Bowden (1)

PITTSBURGH: Homerun: Delwyn Young

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 9, Losses: 3

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Sunday 14 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Minnesota Twins, Hammond Stadium, Josh Beckett

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Red Sox At Cardinals - CANCELLED

Today's game between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals has been cancelled due to rain. Tomorrow Boston will resume Spring Training when the Pittsburgh Pirates come to City of Palms Park. Stay dry!

Image from the website iconspedia.com

Red Sox Manage Mets, 8 to 2

BOSTON: 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 - 8 15 0

NY METS: 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 - 2 7 3

The park is called Tradition Field and today the Boston Red Sox continued their tradition of winning games by decisively defeating the New York Mets. It was game in which there were three errors (Mets), two homeruns (Mets) and one victory (Red Sox). It was Boston's game all the way and the three runs scored in the first inning, from a bases-loaded situation, would actually be all the runs needed for the win. But of course the Red Sox added more runs in later innings. Former Red Sox leftfielder, Jason Bay (signed by the Mets earlier this year) only managed to get on base by way of a fielder's choice. Other former Red Sox players now with the Mets are Alex Cora and Chris Carter. Boston stays on the road for another day. Let's hope it's another win.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Lackey, Winning/Pitcher: John Lackey (1)

NY METS: Starting Pitcher: Mike Pelfrey, Losing Pitcher: Mike Pelfry

NY METS: Homeruns: Mike Jacobs, Jason Pridie

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 8, Losses: 3

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Friday 12 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, St. Louis Cardinals, Roger Dean Stadium, Clay Buchholz

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Rays Reduce Red Sox

TAMPA BAY: 1 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 - 8 13 0

BOSTON: 0 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 - 6 12 2

Well it had to happen. The home winning streak has come to an end at the bats of the Tampa Bay Rays. No joy in the City of Palms Park today for the Boston Red Sox. No joy in the loss, but joy can be considered in the outcome of Lester's start. So much better than his previous start and a longer one as well. Also of note are the two homeruns by Ellsbury, one of which increased Boston's lead in the third. The loss of the game came down to one bad inning of Boston pitching, a couple of errors, and lack of hits and runs in the later innings by the Red Sox. But it is back on the road again tomorrow for the Red Sox. Perhaps they can win two in a row on the road. Good thoughts always!

=============================================

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: David Price, Winning Pitcher: Joe Bateman

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Adam Mills (1)

BOSTON: Homerun: Jacoby Ellsbury (2)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 7, Losses: 3

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Thursday 11 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, New York Mets, Tradition Field, John Lackey

Tampa Bay Rays logo from the website mlb.com

Red Sox Maul Marlins, 9 to 0

BOSTON: 1 2 2 0 0 0 1 3 0 - 9 13 0

FLORIDA: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 7 1

In Roger Dean Stadium, the Boston Red Sox came out swinging against the Florida Marlins and recorded their second road win and second shutout of the pre-season. The perfect combination of good pitching and good hitting was displayed by the Red Sox today. Boston has done very well during this first week of Spring Training, having lost just two games. Currently the Red Sox are tied for third place in the Grapefruit League. Tomorrow Boston is home and will strive to continue their home winning streak.

==============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Tim Wakefield, Winning Pitcher: Tim Wakefield (1)

FLORIDA: Starting Pitcher: Anibal Sanchez, Losing Pitcher: Anibal Sanchez

==============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 7, Losses: 2

==============================================

Next Spring Training game: Wednesday 10 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Tampa Bay Ray, City of Palms Park, Jon Lester

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Red Sox Crown Cardinals, 7 to 6

ST. LOUIS: 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 - 6 8 1

BOSTON: 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 - 7 10 1

Continuing their winning ways at home, the Boston Red Sox hosted the St. Louis Cardinals today and survived a late game rally by the Cardinals in City of Palms Park. Most of the game went smoothly along for the Red Sox until the seventh inning when the Cardinals began hitting. Even though most of Boston's hits had already occurred (seven hits for two runs), the three hits in the eighth and ninth produced five runs and the victory. Overall, the Red Sox hits to runs ratio in the game was good, but they did leave ten men on base. Should have been a higher scoring game for Boston. In any case, Beckett had an excellent outing and that is marvelous.

=============================================
ST. LOUIS: Starting Pitcher: Chris Carpenter, Losing Pitcher: Evan MacLane
BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Scott Patterson (1)
BOSTON: Homerun: Jose Iglesias (1)
=============================================
RED SOX: Wins: 6, Losses 2
=============================================
Next Spring Training game: Tuesday 9 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Florida Marlins, Roger Dean Stadium, Tim Wakefield

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Boston Bests Baltimore, 5 to 4

BOSTON: 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 - 5 10 0

BALTIMORE: 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 - 4 9 0

A road game. A road win! The first pre-season victory in an away game for the Boston Red Sox came at Ed Smith Stadium against the Baltimore Orioles. Scoring in the game began with a homerun for the Orioles and ended with a homerun for the Red Sox. In between the homers, it was another rocky beginning for Boston's starting pitching, and despite leaving eight men on base, the late innings run production by the Red Sox hitters garnered the win. An extra nice thing about the win was that Casey Kelly, who is from Sarasota, was the wining pitcher and he did it in front of family and friends.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, Winning Pitcher: Casey Kelly (1)

BALTIMORE: Starting Pitcher: Jeremy Guthrie, Losing Pitcher: David Hernandez

BOSTON: Save: Robert Manuel (1)

BOSTON: Homerun: Mark Wagner (1)

BALTIMORE: Homerun: Nick Markakis

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 5, Losses: 2

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Monday 8 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, St. Louis Cardinals, City of Palms Park, Josh Beckett

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Red Sox Triple Twins, 9 to 3

MINNESOTA: 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 - 3 6 1
BOSTON: 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 3 x - 9 12 1

Another home game, another win. Too bad all the Boston Red Sox pre-season games can't be at City of Palms Park so that a perfect Spring Training could be had. Except for a fielding error, this was an excellent game for Boston combining good pitching and good hitting against the Minnesota Twins. And definitely revenge for yesterday's shutout at the hands of the Twins. Now if Boston can keep up the good work they demonstrated today, then they can take a winning pre-season into the regular season. That would be terrific!
=============================================
MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Francisco Liriano, Losing Pitcher: Jeff Manship
BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Lackey, Winning Pitcher: Joe Nelson (1)
BOSTON: Save: Junichi Tazawa (1)
BOSTON: Homerun: Tug Hulett (1)
=============================================
RED SOX: Wins: 4, Losses: 2
=============================================
Next Spring Training game: Sunday 7 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Baltimore Orioles, Ed Smith Stadium, Clay Buchholz

Boston Red Sox logo from the website mlb.com

Tampa Bay Blasts Boston

BOSTON: 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 - 4 5 1

TAMPA BAY: 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 - 6 8 2

Another road game, another loss. At least it wasn't a shutout and it was tied going into the ninth. The homerun was the downfall for the Boston Red Sox at Charlotte Sports Park today and the Tampa Bay Rays produced three of them and that made all the difference in the ballgame. The three blasts were given up by two relief pitchers, Adam Mills and Kris Johnson, but the starter Felix Doubront did well. Hitters kept Boston in the game, but in the end it wasn't enough. Tomorrow the Red Sox play another road game. Let's hope they can finally win one away from home.

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Felix Doubront, Losing Pitcher: Kris Johnson (1)

TAMPA BAY: Starting Pitcher: Andy Sonnanstine, Winning Pitcher: Richard De Los Santos

TAMPA BAY: Homeruns: Ben Zobrist, Kelly Shoppach, Justin Ruggiano

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 3, Losses: 2

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Sunday 7 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Baltimore Orioles, Ed Smith Stadium, Clay Buchholz

Tampa Bay Rays logo from the website mlb.com

Twins Trample Red Sox

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 5 0

MINNESOTA: 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 x - 5 8 0

The road was not kind to Boston today. The Red Sox were shutout by the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium. Unfortunately the game was over in the first inning when Lester gave up four runs to the Twins. That was double the number of runs previously given up by Boston pitchers this pre-season. And the Red Sox hit/run production is declining. The one bright spot is that over these last four games only one Boston error has occurred. Tomorrow there will two split squad games - one at City of Palms Park and one at Charlotte Sports Park - both starting at the same time. Such fun for me! But more importantly, I hope it is fun for the Red Sox and there is a double victory!

=============================================

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Losing Pitcher: Jon Lester (1)

MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Carl Pavano, Winning Pitcher: Carl Pavano

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 3, Losses: 1

=============================================

Nest Spring Training game: Saturday 6 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Tampa Bay Rays, Charlotte Sports Park

Next Spring Training game: Saturday 6 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05 p.m.ET, Minnesota Twins, City of Palms Park, John Lackey

Minnesota Twins logo from the website mlb.com

Red Sox Twice Twins, 2 to 1

MINNESOTA: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 4 0

BOSTON: 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 x - 2 6 0

Today was an errorless victory for the Boston Red Sox against the Minnesota Twins. Third win in a row at City of Palms Park for the Red Sox. With a Twins shutout going into the sixth, the Red Sox rallied in the late innings to secure the win. Perfection at home. The first road trip for Boston this Spring Training season, sees Boston traveling across town to play these same Twins tomorrow. Will Boston continue its pre-season winning ways on the road? Let's hope the road test will be a successful one!

=============================================

MINNESOTA: Starting Pitcher: Nick Blackburn, Losing Pitcher: Jose Lugo

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Josh Beckett, Winning Pitcher: Scott Atchison (1)

BOSTON: Save: Joe Nelson (1)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 3, Losses: 0

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Friday 5 March 2010, 10:05 a.m.PT/1:05p.m.ET, Minnesota Twins, Hammond Stadium, Jon Lester

Boston Red Sox logo from website mlb.com

Red Sox Eclipse Eagles, 6 to 1

BOSTON COLLEGE: 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 - 1 3 3

BOSTON: 1 0 1 3 0 1 x - 6 7 0

Second game of a split squad doubleheader in City of Palms Park and the Boston Red Sox once again have a win, though not as overwhelming a victory as the first game. The Boston College Eagles did manage to score one run (just like last year - see post dated Wednesday February 25, 2009), while the Red Sox scored six of them. Boston was also quieter in the hits department and no homeruns this evening. But it's a win and more prospects were on display. Tomorrow's game will be an official Spring Training one and will be included in the Grapefruit League standings. Wonderful day for the Red Sox and may the whole pre-season remain as wonderful.

=============================================

BOSTON COLLEGE: Starting Pitcher: Oxley, Losing Pitcher: Oxley

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Boof Bosner, Winning Pitcher: Boof Bosner (1)

=============================================
RED SOX: Wins: 2, Losses: 0
=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Thursday 4 March 2010, 4:05 p.m.PT/7:05 p.m.ET, Minnesota Twins, City of Palms Park, Josh Beckett

Boston Red Sox logo from website mlb.com

Boston Blanks Northeastern, 15 to 0

NORTHEASTERN: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 2 1

BOSTON: 0 3 1 6 3 2 x - 15 15 1

I declare the Boston Red Sox 2010 Spring Training season officially open! Ha! Just a little leftover Olympics enthusiasm. In reality, this game against Northeastern Univerity is considered an exhibition game, not an official Spring Training one. But any game played where score is kept, is official to me! And today's result was another beating by the Red Sox against the Huskies (Boston battered Northeastern 14 to 0 last year - see post dated Saturday February 28, 2009). In celebration of returning to their Spring Training home - City of Palms Park - David Ortiz blasted a two-run homer in the fourth, sure to be the first of many. As is usual with exhibition games, both sides utilized many pitchers and players. So which of Boston's prospects in Fort Myers will make it onto the Major League roster? Well, we will just have to keep an eye on Florida over the next thirty-one days. Welcome to the games!

============================================

NORTHEASTERN: Starting Pitcher: Dan Zehr, Losing Pitcher: Williams

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: Casey Kelly, Winning Pitcher: Manny Delcarmen (1)

BOSTON: Homerun: David Ortiz (1)

=============================================

RED SOX: Wins: 1, Losses: 0

=============================================

Next Spring Training game: Wednesday 3 March 2010, 3:05 p.m.PT/6:05 p.m.ET, Boston College Eagles, City of Palms Park, Boof Bonser

Boston Red Sox logo from website mlb.com

Hey, Have You Heard The News??....

Boston Red Sox 2010 Spring Training Begins Tomorrow!!!