Yankees Game Recap: Tanaka Has Strong Debut

The score wasn’t important in the game. What was important in the game is how does Masahiro Tanaka look in this game, his first of the spring with a ticking time bomb of a right elbow. What we got was an excellent and efficient Tanaka, throwing just 19 pitches in two innings and retiring all six Braves hitters en route to a 3-2 victory for the Yankees.

Tanaka had what was more than likely the Opening Day lineup behind him and used his infield to get outs along with striking out two.

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The Yankees got on the board first, but not until Tanaka had already left the game in the third inning. Didi Gregorius triples into left center off Shelby Miller. Jacoby Ellsbury hit a little ground ball in front of the mound. Gregorius got Miller’s attention by faking like he was coming home and it allowed Ellsbury to reach. Brett Gardner‘s ground out drove in the run.

Scott Baker came in for Tanaka and gave up another run in the fifth to let the Braves. Christian Betancourt doubled and a pinch runner scored on Todd Cunningham‘s single to tie it.

David Carpenter came in against his former team and gave up a run. Pedro Ciriaco and Andrelton Simmons singled and Alberto Callaspo would hit a sac fly.

Tyrell Jenkins came in for the Braves in the eighth and would give up the lead for the Braves. Chase Headley and Stephen Drew singled. Jake Cave would hit a ground rule double to tie it and Nick Noonan‘s sac fly would give the Yankees the lead for good.

The Yankees head to JetBlue Park to take on the Red Sox at 7:05 tomorrow night.  Adam Warren will make a very important start for him against Rick Porcello.

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