FORT MYERS, FLA. – It was a rough day for righthander Mike Pelfrey, who put himself in hitter's counts and couldn't find a rhythm on Thursday in a 7-3 Twins loss to Boston.

Pelfrey got the hook after two laborious innings during which he gave up five earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two.

"The best thing I can say about today is that I walked off feeling good," said Pelfrey, whose ERA rose to 7.45. "I felt like I could have gone out and thrown another 30–40 pitches. My problem is, I don't know if I would have made it through the fourth."

Pelfrey did say his velocity still is slowly rising to in-season levels. The quality of his pitches could improve and remain consistent once his arm strength improves. Another factor is that he's returning from Tommy John surgery and still is trying to return to pre-surgery condition.

Jacoby Ellsbury led the Red Sox by going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Twins were led by Joe Benson, who has been scuffling in camp but put together his best string of at-bats of spring while going 3-for-4 with a double and a walk.

At least Pelfrey is in good shape. He dropped 30 pounds by the time he reported to camp and continues to eat whatever he wants.

"I can't really say [it was] diet," he said. "I find myself every night in Fort Myers going out and getting something fried."

LA VELLE E. NEAL III