Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz looked sharp in a Grapefruit League spring training game yesterday.
Buchholz gave up only one run and four hits in five innings in a win against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park, the Rays spring training field in Port Charlotte, Florida. Final score: Red Sox 8, Rays 4. Rays star Evan Longoria homered against Buchholz in the second inning.
The Sox and their fans are looking for a bounce-back year after the September 2011 debacle.
Most the Sox supporting cast in yesterday's game consisted of players from the minor league roster; only a few actual starters made the trip from Ft. Myers.
One notable first-teamer did show up for the game, however--new NESN Red Sox reporter Jenny Dell, who replaced Heidi Watney.
Dell (in blue dress) doing a NESN television live shot between innings:
Another live shot:
A fan greets Dell as she leaves the venue (spring training is apparently the only time when NESN staff can clock out early).