Jacoby Ellsbury was 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBI as the Boston Red Sox pummeled the Florida Marlins, 9-2, on Saturday afternoon in a Spring Training contest at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Florida.
Ellsbury’s home run, a solo blast to right field in the fifth inning, was his first of the spring. He also had two doubles.
“I feel comfortable at the plate,” said Ellsbury. “I knew a while ago, coming into spring training, that I was ready to go. It’s no surprise to me. … It’s nice just to come in, ready to go, ready to play, just worry about getting ready for the season.” (via WEEI)
Adrian Gonzalez made his Red Sox debut, going 1-for-1 with an RBI. Following the game, he told reporters that he felt good in his first game with his new club.
“It felt great,” said Gonzalez, who will have Sunday off before returning to the lineup on Monday night against the Yankees. "It was really good to be out there.
“Everything is coming along and there’s nicks and knacks like everything else, which I would have had even if I was 100 percent. It’s been a great process up until now. I’m still planning to be ready for Opening Day.”
John Lackey was solid in his start for Boston (9-7), tossing four and a third innings and striking out three while allowing six hits and one earned run.
Dustin Pedroia was 3-for-3 and David Ortiz was 2-for-3 for Boston. Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Mike Cameron were both 1-for-2, and Cameron had one RBI.
Boston had 16 hits and one error in the victory. The Red Sox used five pitchers in the game and gave up three walks and one earned run while striking out nine.
Johnson struggled in his start for Florida (5-9), allowing five earned runs on nine hits and one walk in three and two thirds innings. John Baker was 1-for-3 with one RBI for the Marlins.
For more on Saturday’s game, visit Over The Monster.