A-Rod returns home, Yankees lose

Alex Rodriguez played in his hometown of Miami, Fla. for the first time and even hit a home run. It wasn't enough, however, as the Yankees lost 5-3 to the Florida Marlins at Dolphin Stadium.

Rodriguez went 2-3 with two RBI and a walk, including that home run in the fourth inning. Through tonight's game, he has a .452 spring batting average.

Johnny Damon, recovering from the flu, went 2-3 with two doubles from the left field spot. He was later replaced by newlywed Hideki Matsui, who went 0-2. Derek Jeter was 2-4 with a double and Jason Giambi also went 2-4.

Mike Mussina started for New York, and lasted 5 1-3 innings. Over that span, he gave up five earned runs, including two home runs to Mike Jacobs. He struck out two and walked one. He got up to 73 pitches in his final spring start before regular season play begins.

LaTroy Hawkins pitched 2-3 of an inning and only allowed one hit. He has not been scored upon in Grapefruit League play. Jonathan Albaladejo and Edwar Ramirez each struck out one batter and gave up one hit in their innings.

The Yankees conclude Grapefruit League play tomorrow with another game at Dolphin Stadium. Phil Hughes will match up against Chris Volstad with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 p.m.

(AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)