New York Yankees Rally Late In Tanaka’s Second Start

Mar 6, 2014; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees first baseman

(25) and shortstop

(2) share a laugh between innings against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

There were many positives to take from today’s game. Not only did the Yankees beat the Phillies 4-3 after a rain delayed start, but positive steps were taken by Masahiro Tanaka, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira.

Tex played in his first action since last season and went 0-3. Jeter got his first two hits of the spring with a third inning single and fifth inning double.

Another positive has been 21 year old outfielder Ramon Flores. Even though, he’s been on the 40 man roster, and even though the Yankees outfield is set, the youngster is someone to keep an eye on in the minors this year. Flores led off the top of the third with his first homer of the spring of Phillies’ starter Kyle Kendrick.

Tanaka made his second start of the spring and retired the Phillies with 11 pitches in the first. He gave up a second inning double to Marlon Byrd, but he was left stranded. In the third, Freddie Galvis welcomed Tanaka to the bigs with a home run to tie the game (Yes Tanaka will give up homers this year, he’s human)

In the fifth, Brian Billings walked Dominic Brown to lead off the inning. Carlos Ruiz and John Mayberry followed with back to back jacks to give the Phils a 3-1 lead.

The Yanks crept closer in the seventh. With one out, Scott Sizemore doubled. Two batters later, Adonis Garcia drove him home with a single. The Yanks loaded the bases on two walks, but John Ryan Murphy flew out to end the inning.

The Yanks broke through to take the lead in the eighth. Gary Sanchez led off with a single. Two batters later, Jose Pirela drove him home with a double and went to third on an error. After a walk, Flores drove home Pirela with a sac fly.

Another Yankee will make his spring debut tomorrow night as Michael Pineda will follow Hiroki Kuroda against the Detroit Tigers at 7:05.