PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — Drew Smyly pitched four hitless innings and struck out seven in his final spring training outing to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-3 victory over a Boston Red Sox split squad Wednesday.
Mike Mahtook and Brad Miller homered off right-hander William Cuevas, who allowed four runs and six hits over 5 2/3 innings for the Red Sox. Miller also had a RBI double off the Red Sox starter.
Smyly retired nine in a row before walking Brock Holt leading off the fourth. He struck out Dustin Pedroia, Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz to finish his 61-pitch outing.
The 26-year-old left-hander will begin the regular season as the No. 2 starter in a four man rotation led by Chris Archer. He was 5-2 with a 3.11 ERA in 12 starts in 2015, when he spent a total of 105 games on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.
“I think everyone’s getting antsy for the season. They wanted it to start. It’s a good way to end (spring training),” said Smyly, who’s scheduled to make his season debut next Monday against Toronto.
“I put the most emphasis on my curveball today. To be really aggressive with it. Throw it full speed, try to get some swing and misses,” Smyly added. “I got some good results.”
Boston’s Hanley Ramirez had two hits, including a RBI double, to raise his spring batting average to .320. Travis Shaw singled to drive in the second of three runs the Red Sox scored off reliever Enny Romero in the seventh.
Red Sox, Pirates tie
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer and Gregory Polanco doubled twice as the Pittsburgh Pirates played to a 4-4, nine-inning tie Wednesday with a Boston Red Sox split squad.
McCutchen has hit six homers, including five in his past nine games. He has reached base safely in nine of his past 11 games.
“My stroke has been there all spring,” McCutchen said. “Being consistent with it is the biggest key. The best time to do it is right now, so I’m good.”
Red Sox starter David Price went four innings and gave up a run on four hits, walked one and struck out three.
“I’ve continued to feel better as spring went along,” Price said. That’s what I’m accustomed to and I felt really good today.”
Price, who signed a seven year, $217 million contract in December, will pitch on Monday in the season opener against the Cleveland Indians.
“I feel good and I’m ready to go,” Price said. “I’ll let my mind rest the next two or three days. It really kicks in about 48 hours before any start. That’s when I’ll really lock it in.”
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