FORT MYERS, Fla.
Boston’s first three hitters — Mookie Betts, Dustin Pedroia and Xander Bogaerts — combined for seven hits, three runs and two RBIs to lead the Red Sox to a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
Bogaerts had a solo home run, his second of the spring, and No. 9 hitter Jackie Bradley Jr. had a two-run homer, his third.
“He’s in a good place right now and I think he firmly believes he’s a major league player and that’s more than half the battle to go along with the talent that he has,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said.
Odubel Herrera, who returned to the lineup Saturday for the first time in 13 days after injuring his left middle finger while sliding headfirst into home, went 3 for 3 on Sunday and scored the Phillies’ run.
“He’s a freak,” Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. “This guy can hit. He’s just a real different kind of hitter. He’s got such great hand-eye coordination, it doesn’t take him long to get on track.”
Maikel Franco, who leads all major league players with eight home runs this spring, drove in Herrera with a first-inning double high off the replica Green Monster in center field. His drive just missed going out and was reviewed by the umpires, who let the call stand.
Notes — David Murphy exercised the opt-out clause in his minor league contract. The team has 48 hours to decide whether to add him to the major league roster or release him. … Farrell said catcher Christian Vazquez, who is coming off of Tommy John surgery in April, will either go to Pawtucket or stay in Fort Myers when camp breaks. RHP Rick Porcello gets the start today when the Red Sox host the Orioles.
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