CLEARWATER, Fla. – Curtis Granderson hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning and the New York Yankees never lost their lead in a 7-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
After Phillies starter Joe Blanton threw three hitless innings, minor league right-hander Justin De Fratus entered and walked Brett Gardner. One out later, Granderson drilled a two-run home run to left.
Jorge Vazquez also hit his second home run in as many games. He led off the ninth inning by taking a 1-2 pitch out to left.
But on an afternoon when several stars were out of both lineups, the All-Star-studded Yankees infield didn't make the trip and Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley nursed a right knee injury, players competing for jobs made strides on both teams.
Yankees starter Ivan Nova struck out two over two perfect innings.
Nova is competing with Freddy Garcia, Sergio Mitre and Bartolo Colon for one of the final two rotations spots behind CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett.
"I'm just paying attention to what I'm doing," Nova said. "That's what I'm worrying about. I know there are good guys, veteran guys. I don't worry about it. I worry about myself."
Nova, considered one of the frontrunners, threw 21 pitches, 14 for strikes. He struck out Ryan Howard with a curveball.
Notes: Yankees C Russell Martin, who had offseason surgery to repair a small tear in his right knee, is expected to make his spring training debut behind the plate Thursday or Friday. He is scheduled to DH on Monday. ... Burnett threw his glove into his locker after a batting practice session in which the right-hander hit OF Greg Golson in the helmet with a pitch. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Golson is OK. ... New York 1B Mark Teixeira said his right big toe is bruised, but not a problem, one day after being hit by a pitch thrown by Phillies LHP Cole Hamels. ... New York INF Ronnie Belliard was a late scratch because of a calf injury.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.