Boston Red Sox defeated Washington Nationals 4-2 – MLB Spring Training
Boston Red Sox defeated Washington Nationals 4-2 at the JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Lee Country, Florida on Monday, April 2 in their Grapefruit League encounter of the 2012 Major League Baseball Spring Training Session.
The win will be of great importance for the Red Sox who have looked a bit out of sorts since the start of this spring. Aaron Cook displayed some high quality throwing skills as he pitched five solid innings to help the Red Sox establish complete control
over the contest.
Cook is expected to start his season in Boston’s minor league system but if he can continue his excellent pitching form, he will have a great chance to break into Red Sox’ big league roster.
Allowing just two hits over five innings pitched, Cook certainly impressed his skipper with his control and accuracy. He struck out two and walked one to finish his spring campaign with a great 1.88 ERA.
Presence of Cook in the minor league system will let the Red Sox have more depth and variety in pitching department of the game. The veteran right hander will be hoping to perform on consistent basis to secure a place in Boston’s MLB squad.
"Coming in I did not expect him to be giving us five pretty good innings the last day of spring training," Valentine said. "So it's a very pleasant development. I thought his sinker was really good today. And it's great to have that kind of depth in our
starting rotation. I think a few handful of outings like that where he builds up his pitch count and maintains his strength will be a pleasant happenstance."
"There's always disappointment when they tell you you're going down, but I took it all in stride," Cook said.
Cook had several health problems in the past and he would have surprised Manager Bobby Valentine with his fitness this spring. It will be interesting to see if the starter can change the course of his career.
For the Nationals, Jordan Zimmermann allowed six hits and three runs in his five innings. Zimmermann went 1-2 with 3.38 ERA this spring but he seems to be satisfied with his results.
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