Former New York Yankee Johnny Damon keys Detroit Tigers win

LAKELAND — Johnny Damon's first game against the Yankees couldn't have gone much better.

The outfielder, who signed with the Tigers as a free agent after four seasons with New York, had two hits, including a homer, and two RBIs in Detroit's 6-2 split-squad win Saturday.

Damon, 36, said he is thrilled with his new surroundings.

"It feels great," he said. "Unfortunately, things didn't work out with me and the Yankees, but I couldn't have landed in a better place. I think I've been fitting in well, and I think we have a good chance here, so I'm just excited about the opportunity. Only time will tell what people are going to think about the 2010 Tigers."

ACEVES STILL SHARP: Yankees RHP Alfredo Aceves gave up his first hit and run this spring but otherwise looked good over four innings in a 5-3 win over the Orioles in Tampa. Aceves, 27, is battling to be the No. 5 starter.

BOSS SET FOR OPENER: Yankees co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner said that "the plan" is for owner George Steinbrenner to attend opening day in New York on April 13. George Steinbrenner, 79, has been in poor health the past few years.

Phils: Happ still putting up zeroes

CLEARWATER — LHP J.A. Happ was pleased with his progress after he pitched four shutout innings for the Phillies in a 5-4 win over the Twins.

Happ increased his scoreless streak this spring to 81/3 innings. He retired the final 12 batters he faced, getting through four innings in 49 pitches.

"It was positive," Happ, 27, said of his third outing of the spring. "I was able to keep the ball on the ground; I'm just going to keep working on it."

Jays: Clutch pitching pleases Romero

KISSIMMEE — LHP Ricky Romero pitched four shutout innings. More important, he pitched out of trouble.

Romero walked four in the 3-0 win over the Braves but made the key pitches to get out of jams, something he said he wouldn't have done last spring.

"Last year I would have folded right away," said Romero, 25. "That was only 12 months ago, but it seems like a lot longer. Last year I would have tried to go with something other than what I had that was working. This time I went with what I had."

Romero has given up only one earned run in three starts this spring.