Keller performs well; Red Sox win 2-1

Mitch Keller had a strong final performance in spring training, striking out five of the ten batters he faced in three scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox. His effort helped keep Boston scoreless through seven innings, supported by solid pitching from teammates Caleb Ferguson, David Bednar, and Dennis Santana. Despite the strong pitching, the Red Sox rallied in the eighth inning. Ceddanne Rafaela and Rob Refsnyder both drove in runs, leading to a 2-1 victory over the Pirates in their Grapefruit League matchup in Fort Myers, Florida. Keller's final spring training numbers are impressive. He finished with a 1-1 record, a 2.40 ERA, and 13 strikeouts over five starts. In his previous outing, he had given up four runs in a loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Joey Bart also had a good game, going 2 for 4, which extended his on-base streak to 12 games. Meanwhile, Tommy Pham reached safely in 13 of his last 16 games with a 2 for 3 performance. Looking ahead, Paul Skenes is set to start for the Pirates against Zach Eflin when they host the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday afternoon. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh.