FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -Justin Masterson moved up in Boston’s farm system when Clay Buchholz was promoted to Triple-A last July.
Now, Masterson would like to follow Buchholz to the big leagues.
“If I show that I’m ready to be there, then the opportunity will show itself,” Masterson said after pitching the first two innings of Boston’s 15-0 win over Northeastern on Thursday night. “Especially with the young guys moving up through, it gives you that excitement that I can do that exact same thing.”
In 2006, Jon Lester reached the Red Sox and compiled an 11-2 record in two seasons. Masterson began last season at Class-A Lancaster, then advanced to Double-A Portland when Buchholz was promoted to Pawtucket. Last September, Buchholz pitched a no-hitter in his second major league start.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona was pleased with Masterson on Thursday night. The right-hander allowed one hit and struck out one in two innings.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen him live,” Francona said. “I was impressed with his poise.”
Playing their first exhibition games since sweeping Colorado last October for their second World Series title in four years, the Red Sox beat up on two Boston area college teams Thursday. Earlier in the day, their other split squad held Boston College to one hit and drew 15 walks in a 24-0 rout.
The Red Sox benefited from 12 walks by Northeastern pitchers and scored in all six innings in which they batted. Northeastern had runners at second and third with one out in the last inning, the seventh, before Kyle Jackson struck out the final two batters.
Mickey Hall drove in three runs for Boston. Alex Cora, Chris Carter and Gil Velazquez had two RBIs each.
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