The long awaited and somewhat dreaded return to the mound of Drew Pomeranz was a success.
The southpaw cruised through the first six innings – allowing three hits while striking out six en route to an 8-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles yesterday.
Pomeranz incurred some trouble in the seventh inning via a leadoff single to Chris Davis before giving way to Heath Hembree, who allowed Davis to score.
“Things clicked in warmups today and I just felt really good out there,” Pomeranz told WBZ NewsRadio 1030’s Jonny Miller. “I took that out to the mound and just tried to hold it out there for as long as I could.
“That’s the best I’ve felt in a long time. Put it that way.”
The 2016 National League All-Star topped out at 94.7 miles per hour on a strikeout of Mark Trumbo and relied primarily on his four-seam fastball and knuckle curve.
Pomeranz, who began the season on the 10-day disabled list with a left forearm flexor strain, was 3-5 with a 4.59 ERA in 14 games last season with Boston after being acquired from San Diego.
“Tonight, [there was] maybe a little bit more power than anticipated,” manager John Farrell said. “The action on his curveball was sharp, tight … just the overall power was very encouraging to see tonight from Drew.”
No timetable for Bradley’s return
Gold Glove center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who injured himself rounding first base Saturday, has been placed on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to April 9, with a right knee sprain.
Bradley Jr. said he is not positive when he’ll be back in action.
“Whenever it’s ready,” Bradley Jr. said. “I’m not going to rush it. I just want to make sure I’m able to make all the same powerful moves I made before with no hesitation.”
Moreland swinging a hot bat
After beginning the season 0-12, Mitch Moreland has collected nine hits, six of which have gone for two bases, collected two walks and driven in one.
The 31-year-old has stuck out just twice after fanning in half of his first 12 at bats.
Groome hurt
Jason Groome, the 12th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, exited his season debut with Single-A Greenville Monday after 53 pitches which got him through 1.1 innings.
Alex Speier reported the injury is mild lat tightness.
Groome is the Red Sox No. 3 prospect and top young pitching arm.
Tonight’s game
The Red Sox and Orioles will cap off a brief two-game series tonight at Fenway Park as Ubaldo Jimenez (0-0, 10.38) opposes knuckleballer Steven Wright (0-0, 5.40 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m.
