The Boston Red Sox finally played someone other than the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday and they came away 6-1 losers to the Atlanta Braves at City of Palms Park.
John Lackey made his 2011 spring debut for the Red Sox and allowed one run on four hits with a strikeout in two innings. The one run he allowed came on a home run by former Red Sox shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Scott Atchison was perfect in his inning of work and Hideki Okajima bounced back with a 1-2-3 inning, including two striking out two of the three batters he faced.
Kyle Weiland allowed one run on three hits but had three strikeouts over two innings. Unfortunately for him, he was charged with the loss. Alex Wilson had a poor afternoon as he allowed three runs (two earned) on a hit and four walks. He was the victim of a Jose Iglesias throwing error as well of his own control issues.
On the offensive side of things, David Ortiz continues his hot start to the spring as he was 3-for-3 with an RBI and yes folks, a stolen base. Jacoby Ellsbury, Jose Iglesias and Nate Spears had the other hits for the Red Sox.
Today, the Philadelphia Phillies come to City of Palms Park in what could be a World Series preview. Okay let’s not get ahead of ourselves here but these are the favorites from each league to make the World Series.
Stolmy Pimentel will make the start for the Red Sox instead of Josh Beckett who was scratched after suffering a mild concussion earlier in the week. Beckett is on track to make his next start.
1. Shane Victorino | CF | 1. Marco Scutaro | SS |
2. Delwyn Young | 2B | 2. Dustin Pedroia | 2B |
3. Ross Gload |
1B | 3. Carl Crawford | LF |
4. Ben Francisco | LF | 4. Kevin Youkilis | 3B |
5. John Mayberry Jr. | DH | 5. David Ortiz | DH |
6. Domonic Brown | RF | 6. J.D. Drew | RF |
7. Jeff Larish | 3B | 7. Mike Cameron | CF |
8. Dane Sardinha | C | 8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia | C |
9. Michael Martinez | SS | 9. Lars Anderson | 1B |
Cole Hamels | SP | Stolmy Pimentel | SP |
Also scheduled to pitch for the Red Sox: RHP Bobby Jenks, RHP Dan Wheeler, LHP Andrew Miller, RHP Jason Rice, RHP Michael Bowden.
Also scheduled to pitch for the Phillies: RHP Scott Mathieson, RHP Brian Schlitter, RHP Michael Stutes, LHP Juan Perez, RHP Michael Schwimer.
To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
Lackey isn’t throwing anybody any curves [Boston Globe]
Gonzalez ahead of the game [Boston Globe]
Josh Beckett all right [Boston Herald]
David Ortiz set to swing for fast start, big year [Boston Herald]
Lenny DiNardo willing to work his way up [Boston Herald]
John Lackey starts over [Boston Herald]
Heat turned up on bullpen duels [Boston Herald]
David Ortiz on next contract: ‘I’m not even thinking about it’ [Clubhouse Insider]
Pregame notes: Fun with Ino; Tito on not-Yankee Cliff Lee [Clubhouse Insider]
Anderson waits for his turn with logjam at first base [CSNNE.com]
Notes: Ortiz swipes a look at potential batting order [CSNNE.com]
Lackey takes it easy in spring debut [CSNNE.com]
Boston Red Sox’s Josh Beckett cleared for activity, to miss Thurs. start [ESPN Boston]
Another step: Gonzalez will take BP on Friday [ESPN Boston]
A few early morning impressions [Extra Bases]
Beckett cleared; will throw bullpen tomorrow [Extra Bases]
Spring training in a nutshell [Extra Bases]
Jonathan Papelbon believes he has the secret to future success [Full Count]
NESN Joins Forces With Creative Agency MMB for Red Sox ‘We’re All In’ Campaign [NESN.com]
Lars Anderson Staying Positive, Turning Heads While Adrian Gonzalez Continues to Rehab [NESN.com]
Kevin Youkilis, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Marco Scutaro and Other Red Sox Goof Around Shooting NESN Promos [NESN.com]
Jonathan Papelbon Primed to Silence Critics in Contract Year [NESN.com]
No timetable on Felix Doubront return [Projo Sox Blog]
Once-hyped Andrew Miller shows he still has the tools [Providence Journal]
Red Sox Journal: Hudson helped Lester zone in [Providence Journal]
Adrian getting close to taking batting practice [RedSox.com]
Papi puts together three-hit game vs. Braves [RedSox.com]
Former phenom Miller reverts to basics [RedSox.com]
Lackey sticks with fastball against Braves [RedSox.com]
Ortiz off to hot start in Grapefruit League play [RedSox.com]
For more slices of Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, CSNNE, ESPN Boston, NESN, Providence Journal and WEEI websites.
Photo credit: AP Photo