The first few weeks of spring training are about timing and rhythm. Starters build strength while young players try to make an impression. Wins do not count in the standings, but the approach still matters. On Tuesday in Florida, the New York Yankees handled their work early and stayed in control for most of the afternoon. A four-run second inning gave them breathing room, and steady pitching carried them to a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
It was a simple performance built on patience and execution. The Yankees drew walks, waited for the right pitch, and made sure early chances did not go to waste. On the mound, pitchers limited big swings and worked through traffic without panic.
For a team preparing for the regular season, this was a positive step.
Ben Rice delivers big hit as New York Yankees score four in second inning
The turning point came in the second inning. Paul DeJong and Spencer Jones drew walks to put pressure on Pirates starter Bubba Chandler. Even after two outs, the Yankees stayed patient. Zack Short and Payton Henry worked back to back walks to force in a run and end Chandler’s outing early.
With runners on base, Ben Rice stepped in and lined a hard two-run single through the right side.
That swing opened the game up and gave the Yankees clear control. The four-run inning changed the tone and allowed the lineup to settle in.
Ben Hess throws three solid innings to protect the lead
Ryan Yarbrough gave up a run in the first inning but settled down quickly. He mixed his pitches well and struck out four hitters in two innings. Paul Blackburn followed and worked out of trouble with a key double play and a sharp curveball to close another threat.
Late in the game, Ben Hess made his spring debut and impressed.
The right-hander touched 95 mph and struck out multiple batters across three innings. Even after allowing a run in the eighth, he recovered well and finished strong. His outing stood out as one of the biggest positives of the afternoon.
Spring training is about building habits. In this game, the Yankees combined early offense with steady pitching to secure a comfortable win in Florida. It was a steady afternoon with good at-bats, clean defense, and solid innings on the mound as the team continues its work this spring.
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