SCORE: Astros (ss) 6, Red Sox 2
RECORD: 9-11-2
BREAKDOWN: The Sox had a 1-0 lead after five innings. Their bullpen allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks in the two innings that followed. The Sox finished with only five hits.
THUMBS UP: Projected No. 3 starter Eduardo Rodriguez was impressive again, working four scoreless innings. He allowed two singles, walked two, and struck out six. The lefty has a 2.08 ERA in four spring starts. “You throw every pitch you want, you know you’ll be ready for the season,’’ Rodriguez said . . . Dustin Pedroia made a diving stop of a hard-hit ball by Tony Kemp in the first inning then popped to his feet and threw him out . . . Robby Scott struck out righthanded-hitting Evan Gattis with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. Scott, who is competing for a roster spot, got Gattis flailing at a breaking pitch.
THUMBS DOWN: Joe Kelly, who cruised through his first five outings, allowed two runs on two hits and a walk in the sixth inning . . . Noe Ramirez was hit hard in the seventh, giving up four runs on five hits and a walk. Ramirez didn’t get much help from Rusney Castillo, who lost a fly ball in the sun. Castillo later struck out swinging.
MEDICAL REPORT: David Price (left elbow) had a day off from his throwing program, which will continue on Saturday.
AROUND THE BASES: Astros right fielder Josh Reddick, who was in the Red Sox organization from 2006-11, played his first game at JetBlue Park. He has not been in Fort Myers since spring training in 2011. He was traded that August. “Beautiful park,’’ Reddick said. “But outside of Dustin I don’t think I know anybody here anymore.’’ . . . The Sox wore green jerseys and caps on St. Patrick’s Day. The Astros has green caps. For the Sox, that tradition started in 1990 when Roger Clemens purchased green caps and stirrup socks for his teammates . . . Chris Young and Christian Vazquez got some at-bats in two minor league games. Young was 2 for 4 with a double, a home run and a walk. Vazquez was 1 for 3.
NEXT GAME: The Sox play the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Rick Porcello and Steven Wright are scheduled to pitch for the Sox. Ryan Vogelsong starts for Minnesota. NESN and WEEI AM (850) have the game.
PETER ABRAHAM
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.
