Correia allows three runs in 4-1 loss to Yankees
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Rafael Soriano made a nice first impression.
The New York reliever made his initial spring training appearance, allowing one hit in a scoreless fifth inning of the Yankees’ 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.
The primary eighth-inning setup for closer Mariano Rivera, Soriano was touched for a two-out single by Andrew McCutchen. He struck out one during a 14-pitch outing that included 13 strikes.
“First time out, good,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “I really didn’t expect a lot different than that after watching the way he pitched last year.”
Soriano was an AL All-Star last year, when he had a league-leading 45 saves for Tampa Bay in his only year with the Rays. He agreed to a $35 million, three-year contract with the Yankees in January.
Russell Martin had a first-inning homer, while Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano hit RBI singles in the third for the Yankees. Wednesday was the second anniversary of A-Rod undergoing surgery to repair a labrum injury in his right hip.
Pittsburgh starter Kevin Correia allowed three runs and six hits in four innings. He has given up seven runs over 8 1-3 innings in three starts.
“A couple pitches I didn’t really like, but I feel like I’m getting a ground ball when I need to, a strikeout when I need to,” Correia said. “I’m real close. Obviously, there’s a lot of work to be done. We are in early spring training and I feel pretty good about where I am.”
Correia had four strikeouts and three walks.
The Yankees appear to have a strong bullpen that includes right-handers Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson, and left-handers Pedro Feliciano and Boone Logan.
Rivera threw 35 pitches during a batting practice session before the game, and is expected to see his first game action Sunday or next Wednesday. The 41-year old right-hander has taken a slower approach at spring training in recent years.
“It’s about that time,” Girardi said. “He’s getting closer.”
Yankees right-hander Bartolo Colon gave up two runs and four hits in four innings. He struck out seven and hit a batter.
Steve Pearce had a sacrifice fly and Chris Synder hit an RBI single off Colon during the second inning. The Pirates finished with nine hits, but struck out 16 times against five pitchers.
Andruw Jones added a solo homer for the Yankees in the fifth.
“It helps you sleep a little bit better early in camp,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “I’m pleased with the competition so far.”