Yankees defeat Reds 4-0

The Yankees, behind Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy, defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-0 Monday night.

Chamberlain was supposed to pitch 3-4 innings, but only ended up going 2 1-3 because he threw 49 pitches (32 strikes). Chamberlain faced control problems in his first spring appearance, so this is an improvement. He threw too many pitches per at-bat, and even had a 14-pitch at-bat.

Ian Kennedy pitched four innings later in the game, striking out two, walking one and allowing two hits.

Mariano Rivera pitched his second inning of the spring. He set down the Reds in order, throwing 13 pitches for eight strikes while recording one strikeout.

Alex Rodriguez, playing in the field for the first time in a few days, went 2-3 with an RBI double. Hideki Matsui went 2-3 with an RBI in his second spring game.

Billy Traber got the win. He relieved Chamberlain in the third inning to record the final two outs. He struck out a batter and allowed a hit, and is on the fast track to make the team as the lefty specialist.

The Yankees face the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow afternoon at Legends Field. Chien-Ming Wang and Gustavo Chacin are set to start. Darrell Rasner, Kyle Farnsworth, Heath Phillips, Jonathan Albaladejo and Ross Ohlendorf are also set to appear for New York. The game will be on YES, with first pitch scheduled at 1:15 p.m.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)