BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) – Freddy Sanchez will finally take the field and test his surgically repaired shoulder this week. If his bat is any indication, he’s just fine.

Sanchez’s three-run double snapped a tie and keyed a four-run seventh inning to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-3 win over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.

Sanchez, normally the Pirates second baseman, has been limited to designated hitter duties this spring after arthroscopic surgery last September. He is hitting .371 after going 2-for-4.

Sanchez, who won the National League batting title in 2006, is scheduled to see his first action in the field Tuesday when the Pirates play Cincinnati in Sarasota, Fla.

“It’s funny but I’m not usually a good spring training hitter. In fact, I’m awful most springs,” Sanchez said. “I still don’t feel like I’m swinging the bat all that well but it’s been better than other springs. I’m not sure why but I’m getting some hits.”

Sanchez’s double came off Craig Breslow and broke a 2-2 tie after Pittsburgh had loaded the bases on a double by Luis Rivas and singles by Nyjer Morgan and Jack Wilson.

Adam LaRoche went 2-for-2 with a double for Pittsburgh, and Ryan Doumit hit a two-run single.

Dustin Pedroia and Joe Thurston homered while Julio Lugo and Alex Cora each had two hits for Boston.

Masumi Kuwata pitched a scoreless inning for the win. Damaso Marte worked a scoreless ninth for the save.

Kyle Snyder started for Boston and pitched three scoreless innings, allowing one hit while walking one and striking out two. Snyder pitched in long relief last season as the Red Sox won the World Series but is vying for a starting role as Josh Beckett (back) and Curt Schilling (shoulder) will begin the season on the disabled list.

“I felt I threw the ball really well,” Snyder said. “I’ve added a tick to my fastball and that’s really setting up my breaking stuff. I feel like I’m ready to assume whatever role they want. I’ll start, relieve, pitch on short rest. Whatever they ask, I’m ready for it.”

Pirates starter Tom Gorzelanny allowed one run and three hits in four innings with one walk and two strikeouts.