Dateline: Hook Road 1
The Red Sox took the field for the first time this Spring on a cloudy morning. The field was damp due to rain that had canceled the season opening parade. Jared and Garrett led off with walks and a couple of wild pitches brought Jared in for the first run of the year. As always Coach Grossman chose to play a full tilt aggressive running game even in the first scrimmage. Garrett came to the mound and after giving up a sharp infield single and two walks, settled down to strike out the last two batters and only one run scored. After 1 it was tied at Sox 1 Marlins 0.
In the second the Sox went down quickly and the Marlins had a single and a couple of cheap walks. An exciting play at first ended the inning as Kyle scooped up a grounder to first and tagged the oncoming runner to end the inning. Only one Marlin scored in the second so it was only 2-1 after two. Red Sox faithful were calm as they knew the Red Sox had yet to start hitting the ball. In the third the Sox again went down quietly. Matt came in for the bottom of the third and struck out three of the first four hitters he faced. A key play was when Matt caught a line shot right back to the mound. After three it was a nail biter at 2-1.
The Sox bats came alive in the fourth as Justin singled, Ben and Matt walked to load the bases. A few more walks and wild pitches scored Justin, Ben and Matt. Matt again shut down the Marlins and after three it was 4-2 Red Sox. In the top of the fifth, TJ led off with a single, Jared and Justin walked to load the bases. Ben singled to score a run and Matt singled to score two more. William continued the offensive onslaught with another big hit. Michael came on in relief and the Marlins scored a couple of runs. The highlight of the inning was a long smash to center field that Corey quickly camped under and caught for a big out. The final score Red Sox 7 Marlins 4.
Coach Grossman was busy preparing for another big week of Spring training was available for only a brief comment. “I liked the way we played today. We clearly learned quite a bit in practice on how to play defense and our hitting is coming along nicely. I was very impressed with how well we were in ready position. I am sure we’ll build on this each week and continue to improve. Our pitchers looked very good and I was very impressed with William and Ben behind the plate. “
