Pettitte Throws 83 Pitches In Tampa

Andy Pettitte pitched a minor league game today in Tampa for the single-A Tampa Yankees against Philly's Clearwater team. In 5.1 innings pitched he allowed five runs - one earned - on seven hits, a walk, and three strikeouts. He threw 83 pitches, 63 for strikes.

According to Peter Abraham he wasn't really hit hard:

Of the seven hits, one was a broken-bat double and two others infield singles. There also was a wounded-duck flare over the first baseman’s head.

His next start with be against the Blue Jays on Monday, he will then start the second exibition game at the new stadium against the Cubs on April 4th. He hopes to get up to 100 pitches in his next start.

Here's some quotes from Pettitte about today's outing:

"I felt good with everything," Pettitte said. "Obviously you always wish you could have a little better command sometimes. All in all, it was good. Got through it. Stretched me out."

...

"It's been great," Pettitte said. "I didn't think it was going to be a concern going into the season. I'm hoping that I worked hard enough that I shouldn't have any problems."