Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Astros right-hander Lance McCullers retired all six batters he faced in his first spring training appearance in a 3-0 victory over St. Louis. McCullers, ticketed for the starting rotation, missed the final two months of 2016 with a sprained right elbow that did not require surgery.
McCullers struck out three and the Cardinals got only one ball out of the infield. Teoscar Hernandez and Colin Moran had back-to-back doubles to open the third inning off right-hander Lance Lynn, who made his second spring start and third appearance. He missed the 2106 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in November of 2015.
Nationals 2, Marlins 2
Bryce Harper hit his third homer of the spring and newcomer Derek Norris had his second as the Nationals and Marlins played to tie in game that was stopped after nine innings to conserve pitching. Washington starter A.J. Cole threw four hitless innings before nonroster reliever Joe Nathan gave up two runs in the fifth. Marlins starter Dillon Peters pitched three hitless innings.
Blue Jays 6, Phillies 4
Jarrod Saltalamacchia had three hits including his second spring homer and Kevin Pillar had two hits as the Jays supported Francisco Liriano with five runs in the first three innings. Liriano struck out five in three hitless innings. Tom Joseph hit his second spring homer and Howie Kendrick had a two-run single for the Phillies.
Tigers 5, Mets 5
Right-hander Jacob de Grom pitched four scoreless innings and Yoenis Cespedes hit his third homer of the spring off Tigers starter Anibel Sanchez in a game that was called after nine innings to preserve pitching. De Grom struck out four. Sanchez gave up six hits, including homers by Cespedes and Champ Stuart, and four runs in three innings.
Yankees 8, Braves 7
Brett Gardner led off the game with a homer and Jacoby Ellsbury had three hits when the Yankees used a six-run sixth inning to edge Atlanta and record their major-league best 11th spring victory. Michael Pineda gave up two runs in three innings for the Yankees. Nonroster invitee Matt Tuiasosopo had two homers.
Pirates 10, Rays 8
Pirates prospect Jose Osuna hit his fourth homer of the spring and Phil Gosselin drove in two runs when the Pirates scored seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Osuna, a first baseman/outfielder who is expected to start in the minors, is 8-for-17 with three walks this spring. Rays starter Blake Snell gave up five hits and two runs in two innings.
