Eovaldi, bullpen shine in Sox win
The Red Sox played under the lights for the first time this spring Wednesday evening at Jet Blue Park as they defeated the Orioles 2-0 behind strong pitching performances from starter Nathan Eovaldi and the bullpen.
All the scoring came on a two-run homer into the Boston bullpen from outfielder Hunter Renfroe in the third inning, an opposite-field shot for the 29-year-old newcomer who has shown solid power numbers in previous years.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign from Wednesday’s tilt was the performance of Eovaldi, who has had a shaky spring up until this point.
The right-handed flamethrower (touching 100 mph multiple times on the night) worked 5 2/3 innings, surrendering just four hits and a walk while striking out three. Last year’s Opening Day starter worked quickly and attacked hitters throughout the game, something skipper Alex Cora has preached to all of his starters this spring.
“It’s always good to be able to go out that long and be efficient,” Eovaldi said. “Defense was really good tonight. We were able to work quick and make the pitches we had to when we needed to.”
He said keeping the defense engaged and getting the offense back to the plate can only work as positives.
“It’s always big when you can attack the strike zone — you’re working quick,” Eovaldi said. “Our offense is so good, we don’t want to leave them out there (in the field) and get them cold. The faster we can get them back in the dugout, the more effective I think they’ll be at the plate as well. I think the tempo really helps out and attacking the strike zone keeps hitters off-balance as well.”
Cora was pleased with Eovaldi’s outing as well, especially the way he worked in his secondary pitches for strikes.
“It really doesn’t matter who you face, as long as you get your repetition and throw strikes, and that’s what he did,” Cora said. “He was able to mix up his curveball and his split.”
Relievers Hirokazu Sawamura, Adam Ottavino and Josh Taylor combined for 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.
This was also the most impressive outing for Sawamura, who continues to build towards the form that made him such a success in Japan. Over 1 1/3 innings, he did not allow a hit, struck out two and for the first time, did not yield a free pass.
“You can tell he feels more comfortable,” Cora said. “He did an outstanding job.”
Ottavino worked a scoreless eighth (two strikeouts) and Taylor the ninth to close out the win.
Boston’s defense was on full display, as both the infield and outfield made head-turning plays. Renfroe ran down a ball in the right-center triangle, while infielders Enrique Hernandez and Rafael Devers both shined at second and third base, respectively.
Cora said preaching defense is the way to make a deep postseason run and find success. One of the strengths of this year’s club is the fact so many players can play so many positions. While some may see that as a negative, Cora sees it the opposite way.
“People are worried about us moving people around, but they’re good athletes, they’ve done it before, it’s just a matter of just keep talking about defense,” Cora said. “Good defensive teams play in October and that’s our goal. It was good to see them play that way.”
The Sox have just five Spring Training games on the slate until Opening Day on April 1 at Fenway Park.
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