Pedroia ropes two-run double in loss to Yanks

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Right-hander Clay Buchholz scattered five hits and three runs over five innings, walking one and striking out three in the Red Sox's 3-2 loss to the Yankees on Thursday night at JetBlue Park.

"Fatigue was the only thing that set in today," said Buchholz. "I felt like the ball was coming out of my hand better today than it has with less effort. It felt really good the first four innings. It's just getting that pitch count up before the season starts."

David Phelps, in competition to be the Yankees' fifth starter, allowed four hits and two runs, walking two and striking out three over six frames.

Almost all of the damage against Phelps was done in the sixth, when the Red Sox rallied for four hits and two runs.

David Ross and Grady Sizemore started the rallies with singles, and then Dustin Pedroia clubbed a two-run double to right-center field.

Ichiro Suzuki went 1-for-4 with two RBIs for the Yankees. Francisco Cervelli drilled a solo shot over the Green Monster against Buchholz.

This was the second of two meetings this spring between the rivals.

They will meet for the first time in the regular season on April 11 at Yankee Stadium.

Up next: Ace Jon Lester will take the ball for Friday's 1:05 p.m. ET contest in Clearwater, Fla., marking his second consecutive start against the Phillies. Lefties Andrew Miller and Rich Hill will work out of the bullpen. A.J. Pierzynski gets the nod behind the plate. Will Middlebrooks, Jonny Gomes, Mike Carp and Jackie Bradley Jr. are all making the trip. The game will air on MLB.TV and MLB Network.