Schilling gives up three runs in debut

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Curt Schilling struggled today in his first major league appearance since the World Series.

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The Boston Red Sox ace allowed three runs and five hits in 3 2-3 innings and gave up homers on consecutive pitches against the Minnesota Twins. His only other exhibition action came last Monday when he threw three innings in a minor league game.

"I pitched very poorly, left some balls up, gave up a run with two outs and nobody on," Schilling told reporters after his outing. "Command-wise, it was spotty. Lot of work to do."

Schilling, who underwent surgery in the offseason to repair his right ankle, isn't expected to pitch in the regular season until mid-April.

On Friday, he threw 66 pitches, 40 for strikes, with two walks and two strikeouts.

Admittedly not in game shape yet, Schilling said his ankle felt fine and his arm felt good, but was tired on the mound.

"I was tired going into the game I think, as much mentally as physically,” Schilling said. “This is a day I've been looking forward to since November. I was a little spent this morning getting ready for this game.

"Arm-wise, I felt good, but the physical things need work, which is to be expected."

In the fourth inning, he gave up Jacque Jones' first spring training homer. Michael Restovich hit Schilling's next pitch to the same spot, over the left-center fence.

He originally was scheduled to throw in another minor league game. But with Friday being possibly his only chance to face a big league club before the regular season, manager Terry Francona decided to give him the start.

Boston's final exhibition game is next Friday and Francona wants to use next week's games to get his starters on schedule for the regular season. Schilling might pitch in a minor league game next week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.