It was a tough afternoon for both of the Boston Red Sox split-squads on Sunday.
The away split-squad made the 2 hour 20 minute trip up I-75 and I-275 to Dunedin to take on the Toronto Blue Jays only to have rain cancel the game. Back in Ft. Myers, the weather cooperated until the 8th inning when the heavens opened up and gave the Houston Astros a 10-7 rain-shortened win.
Jon Lester had a decent afternoon on the bump as he prepares for the 2010 season. He allowed three runs on five hits with no walks and seven strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Hideki Okajima came in for him and allowed a run on two hits in 2/3 of an inning.
It was a tough day for Jonathan Papelbon as he was battling the effects of a migraine headache. He allowed six runs (five earned) on five hits and a walk in a 1/3 of an inning. Ramon Ramirez was perfect in 2/3 of an inning with a strikeout as was Daniel Bard in his inning.
Jacoby Ellsbury led the Red Sox offensive attack with three singles and a stolen base. Dustin Pedroia had two hits, including a 3-run homer and had four RBIs. Mike Cameron also had two hits, including a 2-run homer and a walk. Jason Varitek added two hits and Kevin Youkilis had an RBI.
The Red Sox will play again on Monday with split-squads as a group of mostly minor leaguers will head over to Jupiter to take on the St. Louis Cardinals in a make-up game. Michael Bowden will make that start.
The Tampa Bay Rays will come to City of Palms Park to take on the rest of the Red Sox. Boof Bonser will make the start for the Red Sox. John Lackey will make a start over at the Red Sox Player Development Complex.
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Matsuzaka: ‘Getting closer and closer [Clubhouse Insider]
Papelbon pitched through headache [Clubhouse Insider]
It’s a start for Matsuzaka [CSN New England]
Red Sox notes: Cameron hot, Papelbon not [CSN New England]
Matsuzaka looks sharp in scrimmage [Extra Bases]
Now at shortstop: Dustin Pedroia? [Full Count]
Michael Garciaparra on rumors that he signed with Sox [Full Count]
Papelbon ‘lackadaisical’ due to anti-migraine meds [Full Count]
Red Sox tickets sales strong [Full Count]
Matsuzaka throws 32 pitches in minor-league outing [ProJo Sox Blog]
Lester gaining confidence in changeup [ProJo Sox Blog]
Zoned-out Papelbon gets knocked around [ProJo Sox Blog]
Marlins offer Jimenez back to Boston [RedSox.com]
Papelbon endures migraine, tough outing [RedSox.com]
Dice-K pleased after first spring outing [RedSox.com]
Bard settled in as key to Red Sox’s ‘pen [RedSox.com]
Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester likes his change of pace Sunday [The Republican]
Red Sox outfielder Mike Cameron says it’s hitting that needs his attention this year [The Republican]
Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon’s outing is a headache for all concerned [The Republican]
