Reliever Daniel Bard will likely start the 2009 season in Portland, but he could be in Boston before the year is over.

The right-hander, blessed with an easy motion and a 100 m.p.h. fastball, has looked good in spring training so far, recording his second scoreless outing on Monday against the Orioles.

Bard got Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff to ground out to short, and the struck out Ty Wigginton, looking.

Monday's game featured several past and present Sea Dogs pitchers. Justin Masterson started (2 IP, 1 H, 1 K). Although Masterson seems destined for the bullpen, he is insurance for the rotation in case Brad Penny is not ready to go.

Penny reportedly had trouble getting his repaired right shoulder to loosen up and is being brought along slowly.

After Masterson, Devern Hansack pitched an inning (2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB).

Dustin Richardson pitched against major leaguers for the first time (1 IP, 1 BB).

And Adam Mills took the loss (@ IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 K), giving up a two-run homer to Donnie Murphy.

Lars Anderson served as DH in the game and got his first hit of the spring, going 1-for-3 with a walk.

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