Gardner continues tear, Yanks fall short to USA

Brett Gardner posted a three-for-three day, including a double, a stolen base and a run scored.  Technically the game does not count toward his spring training stats, but if you do include the numbers, he is 8/13 with three doubles and three stolen bases.

Phil Hughes started and was knocked out of the game on Derek Jeter's second single of the game with two outs in the top of the third inning.  Jeter played the whole game going 2/4 with two RBIs, a walk and a strikeout.  This was the first time the captain has ever played against the Yankees in his illustrious career.

Hughes was hit with the loss, but Eric Hacker could not record an out in the sixth inning, and surrendered four runs (three earned).  Phil Coke, Michael Dunn, David Robertson and Jose Veras did not let up any runs in 6 1/3 combined innings.

It was a fairly impressive performance for the Yankees, playing against some of the best players in the U.S.  They managed one run each off Roy Oswalt and Matt Lindstrom, and even tagged Matt Thornton for three runs.

Going back to the centerfield dilemma, the Yankees have to take note of Gardner's performance so far.  However, there is still a whole month left of spring training games and anything can happen in that span.

Jeter was interviewed today and was "informed" that he was the captain of the USA team.  It is clear that everything will be handled lightly because he has known most of the guys from the past.  He said he felt honored and "enjoyed" playing for the USA in the last World Baseball Classic.