The competition for the Opening Day starter position is getting very close, and after Brayan Bello's convincing performance on Sunday, Nick Pivetta also made a strong case for himself.
In Monday's 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Pivetta pitched well, giving up two runs in four-plus innings and striking out five. He threw 79 pitches, allowing five hits and a walk. The only major damage was a solo home run by Carlos Correa in the third inning.
Pivetta left the game after allowing a leadoff single in the bottom of the fifth, and that runner ended up scoring as part of a four-run Twins rally against Red Sox reliever Brendan Cellucci. Pivetta also had to escape a bases-loaded, one-out situation in the first inning, but managed to do so and went on to retire nine of the next 11 batters he faced.
Now Pivetta is waiting for Cora's decision on who will start on Opening Day against Seattle, which is expected to be made soon.
Offensively, Connor Wong hit a two-run home run in the third inning, his second in as many days. Wong went 2 for 3, raising his spring average to .433, and Jarren Duran (1 for 3) used his speed to turn a routine base hit into a double. Ceddanne Rafaela, who is vying for the starting center field position, also played second base for the first time this spring, suggesting that he may be considered for that position until Vaughn Grissom returns from injury.
Relief pitchers Greg Weissert, Isaiah Campbell, and Wyatt Olds each pitched a scoreless inning. Campbell has now had seven consecutive scoreless outings since joining the Red Sox this spring, showcasing his latest strong performance.
Who’s up next
Kutter Crawford will start for Boston on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays, and will be followed by Josh Winckowski, Isaiah Campbell, and Joely Rodriguez out of the bullpen. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. at JetBlue Park.
