The New York Yankees tie the Atlanta Braves 5-5 as Kuroda cruises

The New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves played to a 5-5 tie this afternoon in Orlando, Florida. Hiroki Kuroda started for the Yankees and pitched well. He is penciled in as the number two starter for the Yankees and will pitch the second game of the season. That should line him up to pitch the home opener vs. the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Eric Chavez led the offense with three hits and three RBI. Eduardo Nunez and Jayson Nix each had two hits. 
Kuroda pitched seven innings giving up six hits, two runs, no walks and six strikeouts. Cory Wade pitched an inning giving up two hits and a run as his struggles continue. Joe Girardi said he will be in the bullpen on Opening Day. He clearly needs to get better though. George Kontos pitched two innings giving up a hit and two runs with a walk and three strikeouts. He got charged with a blown save.

Nunez had two hits, Robinson Cano had a hit and an RBI and Nix had two hits. Mark Teixeira had a hit, Raul Ibanez had a hit and got robbed of another one and Bill Hall had an RBI and drew a walk. Chavez had three hits and three RBI and Walter Ibarra had a hit. Nunez and Chavez each had a double. The Yankees were 4-12 with runners in scoring position and they left seven men on base. Hall and Nix each had a stolen base.

The Yankees are 13-10 in the grapefruit league and have a few ties. They will play the Baltimore Orioles tomorrow night at home in Tampa. The game is at 7:05PM.