Braves' Suzuki, Yankees catchers shine
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Braves piled on Yankees starter CC Sabathia right out of the gate Sunday, posting a six-run first inning that proved more than enough in their 10-2 victory at Legends Field on Sunday afternoon.
Sabathia lasted only two-thirds of an inning, allowing four earned runs on six hits and a walk, throwing 33 pitches as his defense struggled behind him. The Yankees committed five errors on the afternoon.
"Need to make pitches," said Sabathia. "I need to pick some of those guys up and just do a better job of making pitches and getting out of it."
The first six Braves reached base and Atlanta batted around in the top of the first. Nick Markakis and Matt Kemp had RBI singles to make it 2-0, and catcher Kurt Suzuki hit a two-run double and Sean Kazmar an RBI double to extend the lead.
"These guys like to play, and I think some of these guys are starting to feel their swing come around and the timing is getting there," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "I see that from [Brandon] Phillips, Markakis and Kemp. Those guys are starting to get tuned in."
• Suzuki proving worth
Meanwhile, Braves starter Jaime García was impressive, pitching three no-hit innings. Matt Wisler then replaced Garcia and took the no-hitter into the fifth, when Yankees catcher Austin Romine broke it up with his first home run of the spring. New York shortstop Jorge Mateo would add his first homer of the spring as well in the sixth, but it wouldn't be enough to overcome Atlanta's big first frame. Kyle Higashioka, who replaced Romine behind the plate to start the seventh, roped a double off the wall in the bottom of the frame.
• Acuna raising eyebrows at Braves camp
Braves Up Next: The Braves return to ESPN's Wide World of Sports complex Monday to host the Pirates at 1:05 p.m. ET. Bartolo Colon is scheduled to complete at least four innings as he makes his fourth start of the Grapefruit League season.
Yankees Up Next: The Yankees enjoy their first off day of the spring Monday. Luis Severino will be the starter when play resumes Tuesday at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla., vs. the Rays at 1:05 p.m. ET. Michael Pineda will get the start at home at Legends Field on Wednesday versus the Phillies at 6:35 p.m. ET.
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