Pettitte returns as Yankees beat Mets 8-3 in Spring Training finale

In the final game of Spring Training, the Yankees looked ahead to Friday. Friday is the home opener for the Yankees and their Florida rivals the Tampa Bay Rays, but first…the Yankees had to put the Mets in their place with an 8-3 victory in the Spring Training finale.

Freddy Garcia got the start and went 4.2 innings while pitching effectively. His only mistake was a Mets HR in the first inning but as the game went on, Garcia looked stronger. Clay Rapada finished the 5th inning for Garcia, getting the only batter that he faced. Rapada was told after he pitched that he had made the 25 man roster, providing nothing happens to him from now till 5pm when all 25 man rosters have to be final. Andy Pettitte returned for his first Spring Training outing, pitching a scoreless inning while allowing only 1 hit. David Robertson pulled another “Houdini” act today after allowing 2 men on base (runners on 1st & 3rd). He was able to compose himself and struck out the next 3 batters to end the inning.

THE GOOD: The Yankees were able to get some offense going, although the starters were quickly taken out after 2 at-bats. Brett Gardner was the main Yankee regular with some offense, having a single up the middle & swiping second. Gardner stole 8 bases this Spring without getting caught. Gardner also contributed as the Yankees 1st run of the ballgame. Francisco Cervelli contributed as well with a 2 run HR. David Phelps & Clay Rapada both made the 25 man roster and will both be there on Opening Day. Boone Logan had some back troubles and went to get an MRI during the game. The results for the MRI came back negative so he is not expected to miss much time.

THE BAD: There was nothing bad about today’s game. Yankees got their A-lineup in, Pitchers pitched well and the Yankees got their hits.

WHAT’S NEXT: Spring Training has officially wrapped up at GMS Field and it’s time for the Yankees to hit the road. Fortunately, they won’t have to go very far. The Yankees are going across the bay to Tropicana Field where they will take on the Rays. Tomorrow will be an abbreviated workout session, but on Friday, the Yankees will begin their “Chase for 28″. The game is slated to start at 3:05pm & CC Sabathia will get the ball for the Yankees.