The Red Sox have taken a 2-1 lead in the Mayor's Cup after shutting out the Twins en route to a 5-0 win Tuesday.
It was a strong start to the season for Jon Lester, Jonathan Papelbon, and new Red Sox Alfredo Aceves, who took care of the first five scoreless innings:
Jon Lester got things started for the Sox, taking the mound for the first time this spring. While the team's ace wasn't exactly dominant, allowing a walk and a hit in his two innings, he got his outs and passed the ball of to Alfredo Aceves, who matched his performance.
Jonathan Papelbon was the next pitcher in line to debut, mainitaining the 2-0 lead by inducing a pair of groundballs and a pop-up bunt.
Once again, the Sox received runs from all places, as both Major Leaguers and prospects contributed to the team's offense:
As has tended to be the case of late, the Sox' biggest offensive outburst came when the starters had been pulled. Drew Sutton drove in Juan Carlos Linares in the eighth before Linares paid it forward, bringing Yamaico Navarro home in the ninth and scoring again himself on a Nate Spears line drive.
The Red Sox did lose backup infielder Brent Dlugach to a dislocated shoulder, but that's really the only blemish on a strong all-around game. The Sox will finally say goodbye to the Twins on Wednesday, as they take on the Braves at home.
To read more on Tuesday's game and follow the Sox throughout spring training, visit Over The Monster.