The Houston Astros split their squad Saturday, sending Wandy Rodriguez and company to face the New York Yankees in Tampa.
Rodriguez took a positive step forward, allowing two hits and one run over two innings in his first start since Feb. 27. The veteran left-hander worked his way back from a strained left intercostal muscle and informed the Associated Press that he feels excellent.
Despite solid pitching, it was not enough as the Yankees grinded out a 3-1 victory. A.J. Burnett showed the Astros' offense the reason why New York signed him to a five-year, $82.5 million deal.
Burnett earned the victory by tossing four perfect innings, striking out three in 40 pitches. The Yankees expect to be World Series contenders this season after signing All-Stars CC Sabathia, Burnett and Mark Teixeira to lucrative contracts this offseason.
The Astros received a major scare when Yankees left fielder Hideki Matsui drilled a liner off the right hand of Houston reliever Alberto Arias. All-Star Johnny Damon connected on a first-inning solo homer off Rodriguez to provide the offensive spark for the Yankees.
Catcher JR Towles put Houston on the scoreboard with a solo homer in the sixth. Once again, the Astros offense failed to show up, combining for three singles and two extra base hits.
Astros right-hander Chris Sampson provided a nice spark with one scoreless inning, striking out one and yielding just one hit. This was the first time Sampson has taken the mound since right elbow surgery Oct. 1.
The loss drops the Astros' spring record to a major league worse 1-12-2 this spring.
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