FORT MYERS – Hideki Irabu was torched for four runs in 32/3 innings yesterday in a split-squad 6-1 loss to the Red Sox, but says the back pain he suffered in his first spring start is gone.

“It felt a lot better,” said Irabu, who was reached for a homer by Trot Nixon in a three-run second. “It didn’t bother me today.

“Some pitches went where I wanted, some didn’t. It was very distinct. The forkball I was able to keep down around the knees and at first my curveball was good, but not later. The home run was a low inside fastball. I think he was waiting on it.”

Ryan Bradley, who relieved Irabu, gave up a 2-run homer to Creighton Gubanich. Jeff Nelson finished up with two scoreless innings.