Johnson: Hot stick at hot corner
(c) Houston Astros
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March went out like a lion for batters at the final Grapefruit League game in Kissimmee for the year. Nine home runs flew out of Osceola County Stadium as the New York Yankees outslugged the Astros, 11-9, on Saturday.
Jordan Lyles was torched for eight runs on 11 hits in 4-2/3rds innings, giving up bombs to Robinson Cano and Raul Ibanez. Dante Bichette, Jr. launched a pair of homers as the Bronx Bombers lived up to their names with 16 hits.
After falling behind 8-5, the Astros tried to play catch-up but could only stay close. Nonetheless, they compiled 14 hits, led by Chris Johnson who has been on fire this spring. He had three more hits, including his team-leading fifth Florida homer. He was joined in the home run derby by Carlos Lee, Brian Bogusevic and Justin Ruggiano who also doubled.
Bogusevic, who was Cust-like for much of the spring, had two hits to boost his batting average to .245. Conversely, J.D. Martinez had another oh-fer as his average dropped to .245. Travis Buck also stayed hot with two hits. A long shot to win a job when camp opened, the non-roster invitee seems close to wrapping up an outfield spot when camp breaks.
The Astros' final Florida game will come Sunday in Lakeland against the Detroit Tigers in a 12:05 start. Wandy Rodriguez will be making his last appearance before Opening Day.
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