Garcia Blast Tops Sox

It's only Spring Training and it was only the first meeting between the Yankees and Red Sox, but as usual the two teams put on a show. Johnny Damon faced his former mates for the first time, going 1-4 as the designated hitter. Luis Garcia provided the big hit though. The former Met minor leaguer slugged a 2-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to snap a 3-3 tie.

Garcia's home run came three batters after David Riske hit Derek Jeter with a pitch in the back. In the top of the eighth, Tanyon Sturtze retaliated by hitting Mike Lowell in the hip. Both teams were warned by the umpires and no further incidents took place.

The Yankees scored single runs in the second and third innings to build up 2-0 lead for starter Shawn Chacon. Bernie Williams, who went 3-3, turned on a Jon Papelbon inside fastball and drove it over the right field fence to start the scoring in the second. Gary Sheffield's sacrifice fly plated Johnny Damon an inning later.

Shawn Chacon tossed three scoreless innings, but newcomer Wily Mo Pena lined a 2-run shot over the left field fence to tie the game at two. Adam Stern drove in the go-ahead run later in the inning. The inning would be the only blemish on the night for Chacon who went 5 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, walked 3 and struck out 6.

An error by shortstop Alejandro Machado allowed Jason Giambi to reach in the bottom of the sixth. Giambi would come around to score on a Robinson Cano single.

Boston's final run came in the ninth when Stern homered off of Kyle Farnsworth. Mike Myers picked up the victory, while Riske was tagged with the loss. In addition to Myers, Mariano Rivera and Sturtze each threw one shutout inning.

Notes

Jorge Posada was originally scheduled to play, but broke his nose while playing catch with backup catcher Kelly Stinnett. This is especially surprising since Stinnett's throws don't look like they could break a pane of glass. Unfortunately for Posada, he was distracted when the throw came. He was to have his nose re-aligned Wednesday night and go for further evaluation on Thursday. He's expected to miss at least 3 days.

Gary Sheffield is on the hot seat once again. Newsday released a report saying that Sheffield is implicated for steroid use in the newly released book, "Game of Shadows". Sheffield is said to have injected steroids as well as human growth hormones. Sheffield previously stated he had only "accidentally" used "the cream", an illegal steroid ointment which he believed was cortisone based. Sheffield responded, "Nope", to reporters prior to tonight's game when asked if the information in the book regarding him was true.

Anyone out there believe him?

Jaret Wright will try to resume throwing on Thursday, depending on how his back feels.

As expected, Carl Pavano threw 35 pitches in batting practice.

The Yankees will host the Houston Astros at Legends field Thursday night. Scott Proctor will get the nod for the Bombers. Carlos Hernandez makes the start for Houston.