Amazing what you can do when you play your regulars.
The Red Sox stumbled through the first week of the exhibition season using hybrid lineups of a handful of major-leaguers with a liberal sprinkling of farmhands and spring-training invitees. None of their projected starting pitchers saw any action, and few of their regular relievers were utilized. The result was an unsurprising 1-5 record, with the last four losses coming consecutively.
On Thursday, however, the Sox used players you'll actually be seeing in Boston this season.
The result? A 19-2 thrashing of Tampa Bay.
Eduardo Rodriguez -- suddenly a key figure now that David Price's availability is in question -- pitched two hitless, scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Craig Kimbrel and Robbie Ross Jr. each worked a clean inning, striking out one apiece.
And the offense?
Boston Red Sox
Jackie Bradley Jr. hit two home runs as he went 2-for-3 with five RBI. Hanley Ramirez also went 2-for-3 with five RBI, and he hit one homer. Dustin Pedroia, Brock Holt and Pablo Sandoval chipped in with two hits each, and two of the minor-leaguers who finished up the game -- Bryce Brentz and Steve Selsky -- each added a home run.
Of course, the Sox weren't facing Tampa Bay's best, which you'll see if you glance at the box score. But if you're using your first-stringers against another team's scrubs, a 19-2 score is what you'd like to see.
On Thursday, that's what the Red Sox saw.