Boston Red Sox ace Josh Beckett delivers a pitch against Boston College during the second inning of yesterday’s exhibition game at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Fla.

AP / Steven Senne

FORT MYERS, Fla. — How does Josh Beckett improve on a year in which he nearly won the Cy Young Award, and was a perfect 4-0 in the team’s post-season push to a title?

Simple — he doesn’t.

“I’m not trying to get better,” said Beckett after tossing two perfect innings in the Sox’ 24-0 win over Boston College. “I’m just trying to stay consistent, the way I was last year.”

Beckett hasn’t set any personal or statistical goals for 2008, his third with the Red Sox.

“I’m not saying I’m trying to win 20 games or anything like that,” Beckett said. “I just want to be consistent. That’s what I did last year — just go pitch-to-pitch.” Beckett overpowered the college hitters yesterday, striking out four of the six hitters he faced, but wasn’t happy with the quality of his curveball and went down to the bullpen to throw another 17 or so after his outing.

Bird-braining

The Sox toyed with the overmatched BC Eagles, setting a record for the most runs scored in this annual spring meeting. Their previous high for runs scored was 22 in 1996.

The Eagles didn’t help themselves in the field, charged with three errors which led to nine unearned runs.

“Obviously,” said manager Terry Francona, “we don’t want to embarrass anybody. We wanted our (position players) to get a couple of at-bats and our pitchers to get some work. I think it worked out well. (Playing college teams) is a good way to get on the field for us. Everybody gets an at-bat before (Grapefruit League) play starts, so that’s good.”

Around the horn

Brandon Moss had three hits and three RBI in the first game, while Tony Granadillo smacked a grand slam. … Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino visited for the day. … The World Series trophy was on display at City of Palms Park yesterday and will remain there through Sunday. Fans can pose for photos with the trophy. …Yesterday was the 16th straight year the Sox played Boston College in an exhibition game. … Jonathan Papelbon was given permission to travel to his alma mater, Mississippi State, to deliver an address to the baseball program. He’ll back in time to work out this morning. … Tonight’s scheduled pitchers for the Grapefruit League opener against Minnesota: Matsuzaka, Hideki Okajima, Mike Timlin and Julian Tavarez.

smcadam@projo.com