LaRoche blast sinks Bombers 5-4 (3/27)

Adam LaRoche's 3-run blast highlighted a 4-run sixth inning as the Atlanta Braves came from behind to defeat Shawn Chacon and the Yankees, 5-4. Alex Rodriguez hit his third home run of the spring in helping the Yankees build a 3-0 lead after 4 1-2 innings. Brian Jordon's solo home run off Chacon in the fifth got the Braves on the board before LaRoche's shot tied it. Ryan Langerhans capped the sixth with what proved to be the game winning single.

The Yankees banged out 15 hits, but left 12 men stranded. Gary Sheffield and Jason Giambi had three hits each, and A-Rod had a pair of hits including his 2-run homer. Johnny Damon also stole his first base as a Yankee.

Chacon (1-1) was solid, save for Jordan's home run, through the first five. But he struggled in the sixth and was charged with all 5 runs in 5 1-3 innings. Chacon allowed six hits, walked three, and struck out seven. Kyle Farnsworth and Ron Villone each tossed a scoreless frame.

Jorge Sosa gave up all four Yankee runs in four innings pitched, but the Braves used six relievers in blanking the Bombers the rest of the way. Joey Devine (1-0) picked up the victory, with Brian O'Connor getting the save. The news was not all good for the Braves though as closer Chris Reitsma had to leave the game with a pulled hamstring.

Notes

Chien-Ming Wang's knee showed some improvement one day after being hit on a one-hopper off the bat of the Tigers Curtis Granderson. Though still swollen, Wang showed good range of motion on Monday. Joe Torre will probably err on the side of caution and skip Wang's next start, which could effect the early regular season rotation as well.

Carl Pavano is counting the minutes until his first game appearance on Tuesday. Pavano is slated to work one inning against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Jorge Posada had splints removed from his broken nose and could see action at designated hitter as early as Tuesday. Joe Torre said Posada will not return to behind home plate until at least Thursday. Posada is now expected to be ready for the season opener.

Colter Bean was reassigned to Triple-A Columbus as the Yankees continued to trim their roster. Mark Corey and Dusty Bergman were reassigned to the minor league camp.

Scott Proctor will get the start on Tuesday as the Yankees meet the Phillies in a 7:15 start. Ryan Madson will go for the Phillies in the game televised on YES.