FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Nick Kingham knew he’d be pitching in front of a national audience on Wednesday afternoon. During the Pirates’ morning bus ride down Interstate 75, Kingham learned via Twitter that he’d be facing a Red Sox lineup loaded with regulars from their World Series run last October.

“It’s at a different level when more people are watching,” Kingham said. “The stakes are higher, for sure.”

Kingham brushed aside those thoughts and made a strong start in the Pirates’ 6-1 win over the Red Sox, which was televised nationally on ESPN. The right-hander retired the first nine batters he faced and went on to pitch four scoreless innings with three strikeouts. After a rough outing in which he allowed five runs over three innings, this was the kind of bounce-back start Kingham wanted.

“It’s good to pitch good all the time, but after a bad one, it means a little bit more,” Kingham said. “It’s definitely good to get back on the right track and build some momentum going toward the rest of Spring Training.”

The Pirates have three weeks to pick a fifth starter from the field of Kingham, Jordan Lyles, Steven Brault and Rookie Davis. Kingham, who is out of Minor League options, might land in Pittsburgh’s bullpen if he doesn’t crack the rotation. But he can help his cause with a few more outings like the one he put together at jetBlue Park.

Kingham threw all four of his pitches and commanded all of them within the strike zone. He located his fastball, mixed in his breaking ball and forced the Red Sox to swing at his changeup before it dipped below the strike zone. With everything working, he retired Boston’s first nine hitters in order before running into a little trouble in the fourth.

Andrew Benintendi led off the fourth with a single to center, then reigning American League Most Valuable Player Award winner Mookie Betts ripped a hard single to left field. Kingham composed himself and quickly escaped the inning unscathed with a double-play grounder from Rafael Devers and a flyout from Xander Bogaerts.

“I think that was the mentality that I wanted, to get right back in it and get me through my last inning,” Kingham said.

Game report

The Pirates racked up 14 hits and held the Red Sox to only three. Colin Moran, José Osuna and JB Shuck each recorded two hits. Ke’Bryan Hayes laced an RBI double to left field in the eighth inning, his seventh extra-base hit of the spring. Outfield prospect Bryan Reynolds finished the game in center field and reached base three times, and fellow prospect Jason Martin continued his strong spring with a triple in the sixth inning.

Right-hander Kyle Crick gave up one run on one hit and two walks, then five relievers -- Montana DuRapau, Richard Rodriguez, Tyler Lyons, Dovydas Neverauskas and Jesus Liranzo -- combined to pitch 4 1/3 innings without allowing a hit or a walk.

Polanco making progress
Right fielder Gregory Polanco is playing catch from 120 feet and taking part in sliding drills, Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said, another step forward in his recovery from season-ending right shoulder surgery last September. Tomczyk said the Bucs hope to see Polanco get “game-like reps” in right field -- which involves throwing to a cutoff man at second base -- within the next week.

“He continues to set the bar for rehab,” Tomczyk said. “The work ethic that Gregory has put forth is tremendous.”

Polanco’s return date is unclear, as it depends on how his shoulder handles the stress of throwing. He won’t play defense in games this spring, but Tomczyk said the Pirates are working through ideas to get him live at-bats before camp breaks. Polanco could hit in the Grapefruit League, unofficial “B” games or Minor League camp games.

Trainer’s room
• Catcher Elias Díaz, who has been out for two weeks due to a virus, will be re-examined by doctors this week. He is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day due to the time he has missed.

“He feels good. He feels normal, and he’s encouraged with where he’s at physically,” Tomczyk said. “Emotionally. he’s in a good spot, too.”

• Closer Felipe Vázquez (upper respiratory infection) did not make his scheduled appearance on Tuesday, but the Pirates do not expect him to be sidelined for long. Outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall (general lower extremity tightness) also should return soon, as he has resumed baseball activities.

• Non-roster reliever Brandon Maurer is dealing with a “right knee issue,” Tomczyk said. The right-hander has not pitched in a game since Feb. 26, but he is playing catch. Maurer will have to progress through a flat-ground throwing program, bullpen sessions and live batting practice before getting back into game action.

• Non-roster infielder Nick Franklin, who has not played in a game this spring, is out due to right hamstring tightness. Franklin is participating in baseball activities, Tomczyk said, but he is not yet available to play in games.

Up next
Right-hander Jordan Lyles, competing for the fifth spot in the Pirates’ rotation, is scheduled to start on Thursday at LECOM Park as the Bucs host the Orioles at 1:05 p.m. ET. Bullpen candidates Francisco Liriano, Nick Burdi, Alex McRae and Brandon Waddell are also expected to pitch for Pittsburgh. Right-hander Mike Wright is slated to start for Baltimore. The game will be televised in Pittsburgh on AT&T SportsNet. It will also air on KDKA-FM and the Pirates Radio Network.

Opening Day starter Jameson Taillon will pitch in a simulated game at the Pirate City complex on Thursday morning.