Granderson Hits RBI Single, Yankees Beat USF
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Curtis Granderson hit an RBI single in his only at-bat and the New York Yankees beat the University of South Florida 11-0 on Friday.
Granderson drove in Derek Jeter, who had reached on a two-base throwing error, in the first.
Minor league outfielder Zoilo Almonte had four RBIs, including a three-triple during a five-run seventh for the Yankees. Prospect Adam Warren allowed one hit over two scoreless innings.
Seven Yankees' regulars got either one or two at-bats in the game.
"We've been through our work, and I think we're ready to start playing games," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Start getting guys in (playing) shape. Start evaluating some guys. Hopefully all goes as smoothly as today."
Alex Rodriguez, coming off a season in which he was limited to 99 games because of injuries, had a single in two at-bats.
"He's healthy," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "When he's healthy, you know he can play. Hopefully this is the year he's back on track because you know what he can do when he's healthy."
A-Rod had just 16 homers and 62 RBIs in 2011, a year in which the slugger had right knee surgery, a sprained left thumb and sore left shoulder.
South Florida had four hits off seven Yankees' minor leaguers.
Ivan Nova, a 16-game winner last season, will start the Yankees' first big league spring training game Saturday against Philadelphia. Among those making the trip are Granderson, Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, Raul Ibanez and Russell Martin.
The Phillies' scheduled starter Saturday is left-hander Cole Hamels. The two teams will also play Sunday, with Freddy Garcia and Roy Halladay slated to pitch.
NOTES: New York closer Mariano Rivera made 26 pitches in his third bullpen session. "Everything is wonderful," he said. ... Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain (elbow ligament replacement surgery) threw 25 fastballs during his second mound session. ... Yankees 2B Robinson Cano, who missed three days earlier this week after the death of his grandmother, is set to play for the first time Sunday. ... South Florida coach Lelo Prado is the brother in law of Yankees' special assistant to the general manager Tino Martinez.
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