Vazquez allows 3 runs over 4 1-3 innings

Javier Vazquez allowed three runs and seven hits over 4 1-3 innings as the New York Yankees closed out spring training by beating their minor league Future Stars 9-6 Saturday.

Vazquez struck out two and walked one during an 80-pitch outing.

``He did fine,'' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. ``Happy with what he had. It's interesting when you go out and pitch like (Saturday), you haven't see any of the hitters, so you don't really know what type of hitters they are. It more just touch and feel.''

Vazquez will make his first start of the regular season next weekend at Tampa Bay.

``It's something that you have to do just to get your work in, but it's not fun when you're facing your own guys, your own organization,'' Vazquez said. ``Getting your work in, that's what it's all about.''

New York catcher Jorge Posada returned to the lineup after missing the previous two games because of a stiff neck. He caught three innings and had a long opposite-field double to left.

Most of the Yankees' position players left by the fourth after getting two plate appearances. New York opens the regular season Sunday night at Boston.

``I love spring training, but at the same time we play for the regular season,'' first baseman Mark Teixeira said. ``We start (Sunday) and it counts.''

Robinson Cano hit a two-run double during the Yankees' three-run first. Marcus Thames had a fifth-inning solo homer.

NOTES: Yankees fifth starter Phil Hughes will remain in Florida to pitch in an extended spring training game on Monday. The right-hander is scheduled to make his first start April 15 against the Los Angeles Angels. ... Former Yankees infielder Luis Sojo was at the game. Sojo, who plans on returning to baseball, stepped down as manager of Single-A Tampa earlier this year to tend to a personal matter.