FORT MYERS, Fla. — Clay Buchholz pitched three hitless innings and struck out four as a Boston Red Sox split squad beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 Saturday.
Buchholz allowed just a walk in his first outing against big league hitters. He pitched a perfect inning against Northeastern earlier in the week.
"Results, obviously, aren’t that big of a deal in spring training," he said. "But you can gain some confidence from any outing you pitch in."
"I’ve still got some things to work on, too, so it’s just a process of trying to keep everything moving in the right direction. I was able to execute some quality pitches today," he said.
Twins starter Phil Hughes left after pitching to two batters in the second inning, having allowed three hits and a walk in his spring debut.
"Some interesting dynamics out there today," Hughes said.
"It’s not exactly how I would have wanted things to go. It is all a process. Some good things and bad things," he said.
Hughes gave up two singles to start the game, then retired David Ortiz, Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval.
"Immediate jam, first and third with nobody out in the first," he said. "Sometimes you want a nice easy outing and get your legs under you, but there is something to be said about being able to work out of a jam and some high stress situations to get 2015 off to a good start," Hughes said.
Ramirez had two hits and Ortiz hit an RBI single off losing pitcher Mike Pelfrey. Mookie Betts also had two hits and scored twice.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Twins: 2B Brian Dozier was scratched from the lineup because he was ill. He could also miss Sunday’s game against Baltimore.
Red Sox: OF Shane Victorino didn’t play because of general soreness. He’s had back surgery, but that wasn’t what was hurting.
UP NEXT
Red Sox: RHP Rick Porcello starts for the first time with Boston when the Red Sox visit the New York Mets.
