Randy Johnson pitched four scoreless innings in his second spring start, allowing three hits in the Yankees’ 8-2 victory over the Astros on Sunday.
Against his former team, he threw 55 pitches — 33 strikes — walked two and struck out one.
“I think this was a good barometer for me because I was able to go from two innings to four without any problems,” Johnson said.
“I wasn’t happy with everything I threw, but I felt like I was starting to settle in a little bit more.”
Johnson gave up two runs and two hits in a loss to Atlanta last week.
Nationals fans grab tickets
The Washington Nationals sold more than 50,000 tickets during the first six hours of individual game sales. Hundreds of fans waited in line for the box office to open Saturday at RFK Stadium. The first in line, Washington native Marvin Jones, arrived at 7:15 a.m. and was rewarded by the team with four tickets to the home opener April 14 against Arizona.
Tickets were on sale for all home games except the opener, which will be the first regular-season baseball game played in Washington in 34 years. The team is planning a special sale for that game on March 26.
The Nationals have sold about 20,000 season tickets.
Gooden charged with battery
Dwight Gooden was arrested early Sunday for allegedly punching his ex-wife in the face, police said.
He was charged with domestic violence battery and was being held Sunday without bond at Hillsborough County (Fla.) Jail.
Jail officials said Gooden, a special assistant for the Yankees, was scheduled to appear in court Monday.
RESULTS, SYNOPSIS
Boston Red Sox
Starter Matt Clement gave up 3 runs, 7 hits in 4 IP in 4-2 loss to Twins. SS Jason Bartlett homered off him. Leadoff man Johnny Damon 2-for-2 with double, former Twin David Ortiz hit RBI double.
Minnesota Twins
Joe Mauer 2-for-2, RBI in 1st start at catcher in more than a week. He has had swelling in surgically repaired left knee and will start again Wed. “He said he feels great,” manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Baltimore Orioles
Sammy Sosa hit 2nd spring homer, towering shot to RF off loser Anthony Reyes leading off 2nd in 5-3 win over Cards. “I know I’m going to hit,” said Sosa, who raised avg. to .250. “I’m not worried.”
Philadelphia Phillies
Pat Burrell homered twice, 3-run in 1st and solo in 3rd off Josh Fogg, Bobby Abreu added solo shot in 9-7 win over Pirates. Burrell singled in final AB, upped avg. to .471. Billy Wagner scoreless 9th.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Derek Lowe 5 IP, 1 R , 3 H in 7-2 win over Fla. “I probably couldn’t throw 100 or 110 pitches effectively right now. But with three more starts, I’ll be ready,” he said. Jeff Kent, Norihiro Nakamura had HRs.
San Diego Padres
Khalil Greene had 2 hits, 3 RBIs to snap 0-for-17 drought in 5-1 win over A’s split squad. Greene struck out in 1st, his 5th in row, before single to left off Joe Blanton scored Ryan Klesko with go-ahead run.
Texas Rangers
Alfonso Soriano homered to snap 0-for-17 start, Richard Hidalgo hit pair of 2-run shots in 7-6 loss to Mariners. Chris Young threw 32 of 41 pitches for strikes in 4 innings, 1st 3 of which were scoreless.
Seattle Mariners
Raul Ibanez, expected to replace Edgar Martinez, hit tie-breaking single in 7-6 victory over Rangers. Ibanez was 2-for-3 to raise average to .519. Ryan Franklin (67 HRs allowed in 2003-04) gave up 3.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Trailing 5-2 after 6, D’backs scored 13 in last 3 innings in wild 15-11 win over Brewers. Corey Myers sparked 6-run 9th with grand slam off Luis Pena. Arizona had 21 hits, with 7 players collecting 2 each.
Oakland Athletics
Dan Haren (4 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K) combined with 4 relievers on 3-0 shutout of D’backs split squad. “Today I felt 100 percent. The ball was coming out of my hand well,” he said. Huston Street got save.
