Yankees Take Advantage Of Astros Errors In Spring Victory

Mar 8, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA;New York Yankees second baseman

(33) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the Houston Astros in a spring training exhibition game at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes games are going to be sloppy and you have to take advantage of it, especially in Spring Training. The Yankees were able to do just that by taking advantage of three Astros errors in their 9-6 victory today.

Ivan Nova got the start, and after a great start against the Nationals, struggled in this one. Dexter Fowler and Jose Altuve got things started with singles and each came around to score on Jason Castro‘s double.  The Yanks were able to come back and tie in the top of the second. Dean Anna lead off with a single off Jared Cosart and scored on Altuve’s error on Scott Sizemore‘s ball. Two batters later, Mason Williams brought home Sizemore.

Nova gave it right back in the third. L.J. Hoes singled, went to second on a sacrifice and scored on a Cesar Iztruis single.

The Yanks came right back in the top of the third. Mark Teixeira doubled and Kelly Johnson, in his first at-bat of the spring, homered.

The most important part of this game was the return of Manny Banuelos, who was pitching in first game in 22 months off Tommy John surgery. He struggled at first. Altuve singled, Castro walked and Chris Carter brought everyone home with a three-run bomb. He would come back and get a strikeout and groundout before being taken out.

The Yanks would take the lead in the sixth for good. After loading the bases, Williams drove in another run and Brett Gardner brought home two on a single and an error by Fowler. They added two runs in the seventh on a single by Zelous Wheeler and a fielder’s choice by Ramon Flores.

The Yanks take on the Rays and George Steinbrenner field tomorrow afternoon at 1:05. David Phelps will face Chris Archer. The game will be on YES Network.