The Boston Red Sox cruised to a 7-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park on Sunday in spring training action. Jason Delay paced the offense, going 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. Kyle Keller worked 1.0 innings on the mound, allowing 0 earned runs on 0 hits. The Sox finished with 10 hits on the day while holding the Twins to 8. It was an encouraging performance for the Sox as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
Jason Delay was the key contributor at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI. The long ball provided a major boost to the offensive attack. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Sox offense.
Braiden Ward chipped in, going 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI, Kristian Campbell added to the attack, going 1-for-1 with an RBI, and Allan Castro provided support, going 1-for-1 with a double and an RBI. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Alan Roden led the Twins offense with a 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI day. Brooks Lee also contributed, going 1-for-4. Luke Keaschall added a 1-for-3 effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Sox pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Kyle Keller earned the win after having a rough go of it, working 1.0 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 0 hits. He threw 31 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen combined for 8.0 innings of work, allowing 2 earned runs while striking out seven. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations. Noah Song recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Ryan Watson stood out with 2.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Sox struck first, tallying two runs in the first inning. Twins answered with a run in the third. The Sox responded with a run in the sixth. The Sox pushed across a run in the seventh. The Sox plated three runs in the eighth. Twins answered with a run in the ninth. The Sox spread their scoring across four different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. The Sox out-hit Twins 10-8 on the day, with 3 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 9,205 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Sox, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Sox are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.