FORT MYERS, Fla. — Daniel Bard, who’s in the process of converting from a reliever to starter, opened with two hitless innings today and the Boston Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-4.

Bard struck out two and walked one. The 26-year-old righty has made 192 appearances in three seasons, all of them in relief.

Jacoby Ellsbury doubled and scored for Boston. Wilson Betemit drove in two runs for Baltimore and Nick Johnson singled and scored.

Clayton Mortensen got the win, striking out four in 2 1-3 scoreless innings. Michael Bowden earned the save with 1 2-3 shutout innings.

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