The Boston Red Sox made the trip up I-75 to Bradenton to face the Pittsburgh Pirates and came away 6-4 winners on Wednesday afternoon.

Josh Beckett looked like he’s ready for the 2010 season as he struck out nine in five innings, including seven in a row at one point. He only gave up a run on three hits and two walks.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett(notes) warms up before the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Fla., Wednesday, March 24, 2010 (AP Photo)Joe Nelson bolstered his chances of a gaining a spot in the bullpen with a hitless and scoreless inning adding two strikeouts. Brian Shouse had a hit and a strikeout in an inning while Tommy Hottovy allowed a hit and had two strikeouts. Fernando Cabrera got roughed up as he gave up three runs on two hits and a walk with two strikeouts. The two hits were home runs.

One of the home runs that Cabrera allowed was to Jeremy Farrell, who happens to be the son of Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell.

Victor Martinez was 2-for-3 including a two-run homer. Bill Hall and Mike Cameron each added a solo home run with Hall adding another RBI on a sac fly. Jacoby Ellsbury also had a hit and an RBI on a sac fly.

The Red Sox are back in action tomorrow afternoon when the Florida Marlins come to City of Palms Park at 1:05 p.m.

Links after the jump

 

 

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Lowell gaining comfort at first [Brownie Points]

Embree has solid Minors outing [Brownie Points]

Lowell’s biggest adjustment to first base? More talking [Clubhouse Insider]

Scout on Lowell: ‘I would not have any interest in him’ [Clubhouse Insider]

Lowell’s mobility limited . . . in more ways than one [CSN New England]

For openers, he’s not Joshing [ESPN Boston]

Notes: ‘Candelita’ in the wind [ESPN Boston]

Wrapping up a busy day [Extra Bases]

Lowell discusses progress of ‘the’ hip [Full Count]

Nelson not worried about opt-out date [Full Count]

Ten Amazing Photos From Spring Training 2010 [NESN.com]

Josh Beckett Dominates Pirates, in Line to Start Opening Day [NESN.com]

Beckett appears lined up for Opening Day [ProJo Sox Blog]

Lowell: Hip still not back to pre-’08 mobility [ProJo Sox Blog]

Nelson impressive in bid for bullpen role [ProJo Sox Blog]

Ellsbury’s evolution far from complete [RedSox.com]

Beckett buckles down as season nears [RedSox.com]