📌 Join the BPCrew Chapter in your city and meet up with more Yankees fans! 👉 CLICK HERE
(Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Spring Training Game 12: Nova, Banuelos struggle

Yankees-logoNew York Yankees 9 — Houston Astros 6

Ivan Nova struggled in the beginning of today’s game. Outfielder Dexter Fowler opened Nova’s start with a line drive single to right field. Second baseman Jose Altuve followed with a laser of his own. Catcher Jason Castro hit a double to bring home two runs. Designated hitter Chris Carter would hit the first out of the game but it was a laser to left field that Zoilo Almonte was able to track down. First baseman Marc Krauss would hit a single to put runners on the corners but the Astros would assist in bailing out the struggling righty. Left fielder Jesus Guzman would strike out swinging at the plate and Krauss would be caught stealing second by Francisco Cervelli.

Nova would allow one more run in the second inning before settling down. He would strikeout two in the third inning and would also have a scoreless fourth inning. In four innings, Ivan Nova allowed three runs on eight hits while striking out five.  It was not a great start by Nova but he showed improved command over time.

Since Tommy John surgery in October of 2012, Manny Banuelos has been a hyped prospect unable to put on a showing to make the majors. Today, he made his first steps. Making his Spring debut in the fifth inning, Banuelos would surrender a leadoff double to Jose Altuve before walking Jason Castro. Slugger Chris Carter would make the young lefty pay for his mistakes with a three-run home run to left field. This made a 4-3 Yankees lead a 6-4 Yankees deficit. Prospsect George Springer would strikeout and Jesus Guzman would ground out before Banuelos’ day was over.

Getting two outs today, Manny Banuelos allowed three runs on two hits while walking one and striking out one. By statistics, an unsuccessful debut but to be on the mound at a Spring Training game, is by all means, a great first step back in the right direction.

Kelly Johnson, competing for a possible starting job at third or second base, hit his first home run of the Spring in the third inning, a two-run home run as his only hit in three plate appearances. Prior to the home run, Mark Teixeira hit a deep double to left field for his lone hit of the game. Austin Romine and Dean Anna would each get two hits today and Yangervis Solarte continues to put on a Spring showcase, getting a hit in one of his two at-bats.