Nolasco sharp as Marlins blank Astros

Posted Mar 29, 2010 by TBO.com

Updated Mar 29, 2010 at 06:34 PM

JUPITER — Right-hander Ricky Nolasco turned in another solid start Sunday, allowing one hit in 7 1-3 scoreless innings as the Florida Marlins beat the Houston Astros 4-0.

Nolasco retired the first 16 batters he faced before Jason Castro lined a single to right with one out in the sixth inning. He has a 1.78 ERA and 23 strikeouts in five starts over 27 1-3 innings, including two innings March 3 against the University of Miami.

Houston right-hander Felipe Paulino, who’s making a bid for a rotation spot, allowed two runs in 5 2-3 innings.

Red Sox 11, Twins 5

FORT MYERS — Clay Buchholz overcame early shakiness to go 4 2-3 innings, giving up four runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and no walks.

Dustin Pedroia, Victor Martinez, and Kevin Youkilis combined to go 9 for 9 with seven runs scored and four RBI. David Ortiz added a three-run home run.

Carl Pavano pitched 3 2-3 innings for the Twins, giving up eight earned runs on 12 hits and a walk with two strikeouts.

Rays 8, Pirates (ss) 2

PORT CHARLOTTE — Matt Garza pitched seven strong innings, striking out seven while allowing four hits.

Ben Zobrist went 3 for 4 with a home run and a triple, and Carl Crawford was 2 for 3 with two doubles as the Rays scored seven runs in the first three innings.

Pirates starter Ross Ohlendorf gave up 10 hits and eight runs in four innings and has a spring ERA of 9.82.

Cardinals 10, Mets 5

PORT ST. LUCIE — Colby Rasmus and Ryan Ludwick hit consecutive homers off Mike Pelfrey in a three-run third inning and Albert Pujols connected in the fifth.

Making his fifth spring start, Kyle Lohse worked 5 1-3 innings, giving up five hits and two runs. He also had an RBI single.

Pelfrey, trying to rebound from a rough 2009, allowed six runs and 12 hits in 5 2-3 innings.

Braves 9, Nationals 3

VIERA — Left-hander Scott Olsen threw 5 1-3 solid innings, allowing seven hits and two runs — one earned — and striking out four while walking none for Washington.

It was his best outing of the spring after he gave up six runs and 12 hits in his last start against Detroit.

Ryan Zimmerman hit his sixth homer of the spring in the first inning, a three-run shot off Atlanta fill-in starter Scott Proctor.

-The Associated Press