Red Sox's Revamped Bullpen Shuts Down Yankees
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — The Red Sox showed off their much-improved bullpen Monday night, shutting down the Yankees 2-1 in their second and final meeting of spring training.
Five relievers followed ex-Yankee Alfredo Aceves to the mound, combining for six shutout innings.
"It was a good day," said Aceves, who is vying for a spot in Boston's bullpen. "We played against the Yankees and everybody was excited to see this match, and I also was excited, too."
New setup man Bobby Jenks earned the win, striking out one in a one-hit sixth. In five spring outings, he has not allowed a run.
"I don't know what's going on," Jenks said. "I'm usually known for really bad springs. So, I got nothing to say on this one. I can tell you when the bad one's happen because I'm used to those."
Fellow newcomer Dennys Reyes worked the fourth, All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon also tossed a clean inning and left-hander Rich Hill went two for the save. Hill yielded one hit and struck out two.
"I thought all our pitchers did a good job, starting out with Alfredo," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "(He) threw strikes, worked quick. He's animated out there. He's enthusiastic. He has three pitches he throws for strikes."
Brett Gardner's third-inning double off Aceves scored Jesus Montero for New York's only run.
The Red Sox won both meetings this spring between the longtime rivals. The next time they play is April 8 in Boston's home opener.
Yankees prospect Dellin Betances threw a pair of wild pitches and took the loss. He also hit Marco Scutaro with a pitch.
Promising lefty Manuel Banuelos started for New York in place of Sergio Mitre, scratched because of muscle soreness on his left side.
"The regular season, we'd probably try to give it a go," manager Joe Girardi said earlier in the day. "Now, with the history of the oblique strain last year, we just said shut it down a few days and see where you're at. It's not going to sway our decision one way or another."
The 20-year-old Banuelos, ticketed to begin the season at Double-A Trenton, pitched 2 2-3 scoreless innings. He yielded two hits and walked three with a pair of strikeouts.
Mitre, who hopes to pitch Thursday, is competing with Freddy Garcia, Ivan Nova and Bartolo Colon for two open rotation spots behind CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett.
"A little bit sore and tight yesterday," Mitre said. "Woke up today and I feel good. They don't want to chance it. I pulled an oblique on the same side last year, so we're trying to figure out if it's related."
Jarrod Saltalamacchia had an RBI groundout for Boston.
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