01:00 AM EST on Sunday, March 19, 2006

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Two weeks ago, Adam Stern became a folk hero in Canada for helping his native country upset Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Yesterday, Stern helped beat up Canada's team, the Toronto Blue Jays, with a two-run homer in the fourth and an RBI-double and a single as the Sox bashed the Jays, 8-4.

All three hits came off quality left-handers -- the homer off Gustavo Chacin, the double off Scott Schoeneweis and the single off B.J. Ryan.

"It was just one of those games," shrugged a good-natured Stern, "but it was nice to face some lefties and have some success. I just wanted to have quality at-bats."

Stern, 26, is competing for a roster spot, though he's almost certain to be on the Opening Day roster because his year-old Rule V status requires the Sox to keep him on the 25-man roster for another 17 days.

"I don't think about making a statement," he said. "I just go out and play. Obviously, if I play good, it's better. But the more you press, the worse you're going to do."

Hurt for most of last year with a succession of injuries -- hamstring, shoulder, thumb -- Stern didn't get much of an opportunity to show the Sox what he was capable of doing. Despite being out of camp for the WBC, Stern already has as many at-bats this spring as he did last regular season.

The WBC experience, he said, was a positive one. "It gave me a little quick-start, a little bit of confidence, a boost," he said.

Bench coach Brad Mills, who managed yesterday when Terry Francona remained in Fort Myers, said he can see Stern growing before his eyes.

"It's all part of maturing," he said. "You can see it not only on the field, but in the dugout and in the clubhouse."

Jays' Burnett hurts arm

Toronto starter A.J. Burnett, who signed a five-year, $55-million contract with the Blue Jays in the offseason, left the game with an injury to either his right elbow or forearm after his first pitch of the second inning.

Catcher Bengie Molina told Toronto reporters that Burnett was supposed to throw a fastball, but the pitch looked more like a changeup.

Burnett called trainers from the dugout and left the game almost immediately. He was taken to a hospital for tests. Burnett has a history of elbow and shoulder injuries and had Tommy John surgery three years ago.

Cora rejoins team, plays short

Infielder Alex Cora rejoined the Red Sox yesterday after playing for his native Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. He flew to Tampa Friday night and played short yesterday.

Cora said he didn't feel behind after missing several days with the Red Sox.

"We had time to work out during the day," he said.

Ump tosses Snow

A rare occurrence: An ejection in spring training. It took place in the middle of the third inning when veteran first baseman J.T. Snow was shown the door.

Snow had taken exception to a called third strike by umpire Larry Young in the top of the inning and had words with Young as he was escorted back to the dugout by Mills.

As the Sox took the field in the bottom of the inning, Snow and Young jawed again as Young was returning to the plate. Snow said something that caused Young to eject him.

Jeff Bailey moved from left field to first base to replace Snow, with Trent Durrington taking over in left field.

Clement works four innings

Yesterday, Matt Clement threw in a minor league game, going four innings, allowing three hits and two unearned runs. He walked two and struck out five, tossing 67 pitches, 37 of which were strikes. . . . Keith Foulke threw to hitters for 20 minutes yesterday and will do so again today. The Sox hope he can get into a game Tuesday. . . . Ken Huckaby saw game action for the first time, catching starter Lenny DiNardo and reported that his knee gave him no problems. . . . The crowd of 5,535 was the largest at Knology Park since the renovation of 2002.

smcadam@projo.com / (401) 277-7340