FORT MYERS, Fla. – Mike Napoli hit a three-run homer for Boston, Clay Buchholz overcame leg soreness to pitch three scoreless innings and the Red Sox beat a split squad of Minnesota Twins 12-5 on Thursday.
Buchholz, who aggravated a hamstring muscle on the first day of spring training, struck out four with two hits and no walks in his second preseason start. Reliever Daniel Bard, who struggled in 2012 with a 5-6 record with a 6.22 ERA, struck out the side in the sixth inning.
Dustin Pedroia went 2 for 4 with a double, two RBIs and two runs for the Red Sox.
Twins starter Kevin Correia gave up three runs in 2 1-3 innings. Signed to a two-year contract to help fill out a depleted rotation, the right-hander allowed six hits.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.