Yankees defeat Astros 7-6

Where we last left you, the Yankees were losing 5-4 after Carlos Lee hit a three-run home run off of Mike Mussina.

The Yankees scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning to take a 7-5 lead. The Astros came back with one run in the bottom half of the inning, but the Yankees' pitching was able to hold the Astros at bay, as they defeated them 7-6 in Kissimmee.

Jeff Karstens followed Mussina and pitched well in his first spring outing this season. He pitched three innings of shutout ball, allowing on two hits while striking out two. Edwar Ramirez was up next, and gave up one unearned run in one inning. He gave up one hit and struck out a batter.

Robinson Cano finished the day with three hits and two RBI. Shelley Duncan went 2-4 with two RBI and a double (his second of the spring). Morgan Ensberg also had a multi-hit game, going 2-4 with an RBI against his former team.

The Yankees committed three errors - one by Ensberg, Jason Lane and Alberto Gonzalez each.

The Yankees will play the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Phil Hughes goes for the Yankees, facing Jesse Litsch of the Jays..

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)