FORT MYERS, Fla.Josh Beckett made his third start of the spring Monday afternoon against the Marlins. He went four innings, giving up one run on a hit, two walks, and two hit batters, with two strikeouts. He threw 52 pitches, 33 for strikes.
Beckett faced seven batters in the first inning, when he gave up the run, walking one, hitting two, and striking out one before settling down.
Beckett was not involved in the decision, as the Sox beat the Marlins on Pedro Ciriacos two-run home run in the 10th inning.
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Beckett was satisfied with the results.
Its how my body feels especially for me now pitching every three days instead of every four days it can take its toll, he said. Today was the first time when I got done in the bullpen I felt like loose and ready to go.
I tried to throw breaking balls early in the count. In my last few starts Ive been focused on changeups, which I still want to do that as well. Just feel like throwing the strike breaking ball and not just the finish one.
Manager Bobby Valentine was satisfied with Beckett's overall performance.
Josh threw pretty good, Valentine said. He started off really poorly. Couldnt throw the ball to his glove side of the plate. Hit Omar Infante with a fastball. Hit Aaron Rowand with a curveball and came out the second, third, and fourth innings and made great adjustments. Was able to get the ball where he wanted to. And the last two pitches he threw he even let the tank out a little. Threw with some velocity and location. It was good.