TAMPA, FLA.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – New York reliever Rafael Soriano made his first 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.
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.