KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Dustin Pedroia is more than glad to play deep into these exhibition games. Twins infielder Justin Morneau is just happy to be playing.

The pair of former AL MVPs saw action in different games as the Red Sox split their squad Friday. Boston beat Houston 9-3 in Pedroia’s breakout game while Morneau played in a live game for the first time since a concussion last July and Minnesota beat Boston, 3-2.

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Dustin Pedroia is eager to work on his timing deep into spring training games now that his foot has healed. The Associated Press

AP

Pedroia tripled and doubled as he comes back from a season cut in half by a fractured left foot. He drove in two runs against Brett Myers with a double in the first inning. Pedroia’s seventh-inning triple was one of four triples for the Red Sox, including two by catcher Mark Wagner.

“It felt good to stay in the game for a while and play seven innings, get four at-bats,” Pedroia said. “You feel more involved in the game, so that was fun.”

Pedroia had surgery on his foot on Sept. 3. He’s 5 for 21 in eight spring games.

“I feel normal. I’ve had a lot of time off, that’s the only difference. I’m just getting used to being out there and playing again,” he said. “Now I’m just focusing on getting ready for the season, hitting the ball hard and playing good defense. I’m not worrying about any health issues.”

In the other game, Morneau, the 2006 AL MVP went 0 for 2. Morneau played in a “B” game earlier this week, but this was his first Grapefruit League action since he sustained a season-ending concussion July 7. He missed the final 78 games.

“Once I took the field, I felt good out there,” Morneau said. “I feel like I’m a little behind everyone else, just from not being out there.”

Morneau struck out swinging and reached base on an error by Red Sox left fielder Carl Crawford, with both at-bats coming against ace left-hander Jon Lester.

Lester struck out five in four scoreless innings, scattering four hits and walking none. He is in line to be Boston’s opening day starter, although no announcement has been made by the team.

Asked about his approach to facing Morneau, Lester began with a four-word answer.

“To get him out,” Lester said. “It’s the same approach every time I’ve faced him. The thing that makes it tough is he’s able to cover a big part of the plate. He’s able to do some damage to both sides of the field. Just to be able to get him out is obviously good.”

Lester, who went 19-9 with a 3.25 ERA in 32 starts last season, said he has not put much thought into potentially starting on opening day.

“I feel like I’m on track and everything is going in the right direction,” said Lester, who has yet to give up a run this spring. “We’ve still got a long way to go. Whoever gets the ball, it’s going to be a big honor. If it doesn’t happen, it’s no big deal.”

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