Boston's Clement hit by line drive

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Boston Red Sox pitcher Matt Clement was hit in the right side of the head by Carl Crawford's line drive Tuesday night and carried from the field on a stretcher.

Clement could be seen blinking his eyes when he was placed on the stretcher, and the Red Sox said he was conscious and alert as he was taken to the Bayfront Medical Center near Tropicana Field for further evaluation.

"He had some numbness throughout the site where he got hit behind the right ear," said Lt. Rick Feinberg of the St. Petersburg Fire-Rescue.

The hospital did not immediately comment on Clement's condition, but Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill said a CT scan was negative.

"I have spoken with Matt and his doctors in Florida," Gill said. "Matt himself never lost consciousness and is in good spirits. ... He appears to be doing well, but will stay in the hospital for precautionary purposes and will be re-evaluated in the morning."

After he was hit, Clement remained on the ground and barely moved for about five minutes before he was lifted onto the stretcher and immobilized