Brian Johnson. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- East-leading Red Sox took three of four in Tampa to begin their season and, yesterday, manager Alex Cora was awfully impressed with righty Hector Velazquez.
Velazquez gave up one run over 5-and-2-thirds innings.
Florida native and former Gators star Brian Johnson will try to be just as good tonight in the opener of a two-game set in Miami at 7:10 p.m.
The southpaw's made six career starts with a 2-and-1 record and 4-88 ERA.
Johnson can hit, too. He batted .405 as a college freshman in 2010 and was named the nation's best two-way player in 2012.
Marlins hurler Trevor Richards will counter in his major league debut.
Miami's reigning Minor League Pitcher of the Year is only a few months removed from working as a teacher's aide at an elementary school in Illinois.
Marlins are 2-and-2 after splitting a series with the Cubs.
Hear from Cora below.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports