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03/27/2008 4:05 PM ET
Jeter's homer not enough in loss
Shortstop goes deep for first Grapefruit League blast
By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com
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at Tampa, Fla.
Thursday, March 27
Pirates at the plate: Adam LaRoche drove in the Pirates' first run of the day with a first-inning double and Nyjer Morgan finished the afternoon with two hits. Second baseman Luis Rivas and catcher Ryan Doumit also both reached base twice.
Yankees at the plate: There wasn't much offense to be had by New York in this one. The Yankees managed just two hits against Pirates starter Tom Gorzelanny, including a solo homer from Derek Jeter. Alex Rodriguez finished the day 1-for-2.
Pirates on the mound: In his final start of the spring, Gorzelanny put forth his strongest outing of the month, throwing 41 of his 74 pitches for strikes. The lefty stretched himself out to pitch six innings for the first time in Spring Training, and he finished having faced just three hitters over the minimum. Franquelis Osoria followed with two strikeouts in a scoreless inning of relief.
Yankees on the mound: In his first Grapefruit League appearance since March 19, Kei Igawa pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing five hits, three walks and four runs. Right-hander Jeff Karstens relieved Igawa, but faced just three hitters before leaving with an apparent leg injury. Scott Patterson, who continues to fight for one of the remaining spots in the 'pen, pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.
Grapefruit League records: Pirates 12-16; Yankees 13-11-2.
Up next for the Pirates: The Pirates conclude the road portion of Grapefruit League play with one last trip to Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday to face the Twins at 1:05 p.m. ET. Lefty Paul Maholm is slated to throw the first six innings in what will be his final spring start. Minnesota left-hander Francisco Liriano will make the start for the Twins.
Up next for the Yankees: With the Grapefruit League portion of their Spring Training schedule now over, the team travels south to face the Marlins in two exhibition games at Dolphin Stadium. Mike Mussina will make his final start of the spring and will be opposed by Florida left-hander Andrew Miller.
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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