Michael Pineda pitched 3 2/3 innings of two-run ball and the Yankees rallied for three big runs in the bottom of the ninth Saturday as they walked-off against the Astros, 3-2, in a pitching-dominated contest at Steinbrenner Field.
Pineda Turns in Solid Start After Rough First Inning: Pineda gave up a two-run home run to Chris Carter in the top of the first, and appeared to be in for a long day after allowing four hits to the first eight Astros he faced. Following a one-out double in the second, however, Pineda retired seven straight -- ultimately finishing with no walks and six strikeouts.
Wilson Works Out of Trouble: Justin Wilson relieved Pineda and kept the Astros off the board for another 1 1/3 innings -- stranding a pair of runners with a strikeout of Carter in the fifth. In all, Wilson walked one and punched out two during his four-out performance -- recording the last out of the fourth on just one pitch.
Miller's Quick Outing: Andrew Miller came in for the sixth and sat down the Astros in order -- fanning two while inducing a routine groundout. With his two strikeouts, interestingly, Miller now has seven on the month -- the third highest total amongst Yankees lefties.
Bailey Puts Up a Zero: Andrew Bailey struggled with his location in his spring debut Wednesday, but when on the mound in this one's seventh inning, seemed to have better control. He struck out two and got Robbie Grossman to fly out harmlessly to right -- only letting one batter reach base when Jake Marisnick was hit by a pitch.
Rally: With the exception of Mark Teixeira's two knocks off Houston's Dallas Keuchel, the Yankees' offense remained quiet for most of the afternoon -- finally coming to life in its half of the ninth. Indeed, the Yankees plated a trio in their last at-bat to emerge victorious -- tying the score on an Eddy Rodriguez double and an Andrew Aplin error before winning on a Jake Cave sac fly.
Next Up: The Yankees will look to continue their good play on the road Sunday when they visit the Mets in Port St. Lucie -- a matchup slated to begin at 1:05 p.m. ET. CC Sabathia is expected to start for the Yanks opposite Mets youngster Matt Harvey -- with both YES and SNY set to broadcast the action.