Paps' First Start

Yes, he's pitched this spring before, twice. He relieved Timmy Wakefield each time and pitched effectively. But yesterday was the first time that he took the mound in the first inning, setting the tone for the game and his team. From the Courant, and then a comment from me.

"Jonathan Papelbon took the next step in his transition from closer to starter for the Red Sox.
He started.
Papelbon made his first start in a major league exhibition game this year, and was happy with his performance even though he struggled with leadoff hitter Chris Denorfia, who homered on a 3-and-2 pitch in Cincinnati's 2-1 win Saturday.
In 32/3 innings, Papelbon allowed five hits and one walk, hit a batter and struck out five. In his two other outings against major league teams, he relieved Tim Wakefield and threw five scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, one hit and one walk."

The relief pitching behind him? Stellar...take a look.......

J Papelbon (L,0-1) 3 2-3 5 2 2 1 5 1
J Pineiro 1 1-3 2 0 0 1 2 0
H Okajima 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
M Delcarmen 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
D Hansack 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
R Hernandez 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

Piniero was just shakily OK, but the Darkman followed with a great inning, as did Little Manny, Hansack and Hernandez. We need these guys during the season. The final score? 2-1 Cinncinati, but don't worry....this team of ours will hit. Bigtime. That's why I focus on the pitching, specifically the bullpen pitching, so much here at PRSF.
And as Paps put it himself......

“I felt really, really good today. My body felt outstanding, my arm felt outstanding. Everything physically felt really good, and that’s a big, big plus for me,” he said. “Getting my body into that stamina I need to get. Everything building up to becoming a guy that can go 7-8 innings. Today was huge for me to feel the way I felt.”


And all I can say is this. YES!!! Have a great Sunday, and if you wish, the entire Courant article can be read by clicking on the title.

OH, and Sox 2 Orioles 1...on Sunday...full wrap tomorrow! I promise.......