Phil Hughes makes impression as New York Yankees defeat Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 – MLB Update
American League’s New York Yankees bounced back with a close 5-3 victory over league rivals Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, March 23 in their Grapefruit League game at George Steinbrenner Field in Florida.
Yankees finally crossed double figures in victories taking their record to 10-14 this spring exhibition.
The road to victory was designed by right-handed pitcher Phil Hughes who, making his fifth start of spring was impressive in his seven innings. The 24-year-old hurler, who has 1-0 with 4.20 ERA, struck-out seven allowing just three runs on eight hits. His
tossing was relieved when Mariano Rivera and Boone Logan both remained scoreless in their innings. Logan also helped him with three strike-outs.
Yankees were under extreme pressure with 3-0 deficit until the seventh inning when the club managed to acquire four runs. Brandon Laird led off the Yankees inning in assistance with Robinson Cano’s line drive to centre-fielder Corey Patterson. Eduardo Nunez
earned a second run due to third baseman Niuman Romero’s fielding error off Andrew Jones chip. Third baseman Cano scored an RBI and Russell Martin supported Ronnie Billiard score with his sacrifice fly to right-fielder Adam Loewen.
Yankees still did not have their full strength on the field as there are some valuable players vying for a spot in the final roaster. Freddy Garcia, Ivan Nova, Bartolo Colon and Sergio Mitre are in competition to win a slot in the camp. Colon has emerged
as best prospect after a splendid spring this year. He pitched in 15 innings, struck-out 17 in four starts and had a 1-0 record. However, his last year’s injury might put negative effect on his spot as mentioned by manager Joe Girardi in a statement.
"Will there be a point where innings catch up to him in the course of the season?" Girardi said. "That's somewhat of a concern when you have a guy coming off injuries that hasn't thrown a lot. You have to count in your mind and project how many innings he'll
give you."
Blue Jays’ starter Jo-Jo Reyes, who was vying for opening day start until the team announced Brandon Morrow Wednesday morning, went for just two runs in six strong innings. He had four strike-outs and allowed just three hits with two walks. Though Reyes,
making his third start in spring, has not been adopted for a desired spot, he expressed strong determination.
It has been made clear that Kyle Drabek, Jesse Litsch and Reyes now will be part of starting rotation with Brett Cecil and Ricky Romero.
"It's a starting point," Toronto manager John Farrell said. "I don't know if we've ever been around a 25-man roster or a 12-man pitching staff that ended the way it started."
On Thursday, Toronto will play their next match against the Atlanta Braves in a road game while the New York Yankees will get some rest.
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