Carter blasts three-run homer in loss to Yanks

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The Yankees rallied for three runs in the sixth inning against Astros relief pitcher Jose Cisnero, taking advantage of a costly error to come from behind and win, 9-6, on Saturday afternoon at Osceola County Stadium.

The Yanks trailed, 6-4, in the sixth when Mason Williams hit a sacrifice fly to cut the lead to one, and Astros center fielder Dexter Fowler fired a throw into the dugout following a Brett Gardner single to allow two runners to score and make it 7-6.

The Astros were trailing by a run in the fifth inning when Jose Altuve led off with a double and Jason Castro walked to set the stage for Chris Carter, who clubbed a three-run homer to left to make it 6-4. All three runs came against reliever Manny Banuelos, who was making his first appearance since having Tommy John surgery in October 2012.

Yankees starter Ivan Nova had his worst outing of the spring, giving up eight hits and three runs in four innings while striking out five batters. Astros starter Jarred Cosart threw 51 pitches over 1 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and one earned run.

The Astros came out swinging against Nova, who was making his third start. Fowler and Altuve singled, and Castro brought them home with a two-run double to left field. The Yankees scored twice against Cosart in the second, with Dean Anna scooting home on Altuve's throwing error and Williams driving in Scott Sizemore with a double.

Cesar Izturis' RBI single in the bottom of the inning put the Astros ahead, 3-2, but Kelly Johnson hit a two-run homer in the third off Darin Downs to put the Yankees on top, 4-3.

Up next: Left-hander Rudy Owens, who was roughed up in his first career Major League Spring Training start earlier this week, will get the ball for the Astros when they face the Blue Jays on Sunday at 12:05 p.m. CT at Osceola County Stadium on MLB.TV. Anthony Bass, Raul Valdes, Matt Albers and Kevin Chapman are also scheduled to throw.