Pettitte throws strikes, gives up one run

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Andy Pettitte exited Bright House Field before the sun did yesterday, an encouraging sign for those tracking the 39-year-old lefthander's comeback quest.

In a brisk -- almost too brisk -- three-inning effort for the Yankees' Class A Tampa affiliate, Pettitte allowed one run and two hits (both doubles) against Phillies farmhands. Of his 32 pitches, 26 were strikes, including the first 10.

"Just another good step," said Pettitte, who retired after the 2010 season but signed a minor-league deal in mid-March. "I feel like maybe I didn't get a chance to throw some of the pitches that I would've liked to have thrown and worked on some of the sequences that I would've liked . . . because I was getting some guys out early in counts. But all in all, I feel real comfortable with everything."

On a warm west Florida night, Pettitte struck out two and allowed only one batter to work a three-ball count. One of the doubles he surrendered was a sharp grounder to third that ricocheted high off the bag and into leftfield.

His only smudge occurred in the top of the second. Brandon Tripp led off with a double and moved to third on what was ruled a wild pitch, although it nicked the catcher's mitt. Tripp scored on a sacrifice fly.

It was Pettitte's first action against live hitting since his scoreless relief inning in an exhibition game against the Mets last Wednesday.

"I was throwing a lot to get ready for this," Pettitte said. "I've been throwing every other day since I've been down here and it was good to get on my fifth day and to get a little bit of a routine. It felt really good tonight."

Pettitte said he plans to work out Tuesday at the Yankees' Tampa complex but abstain from throwing. He said his next start, for now, likely will be against this same Phillies club Sunday in Tampa, where his pitch count could increase to 50.

"I just know this is a process," he said. "I mean, it's going to take a little bit of time. And again, tonight was another good step; my legs felt really good under me. It's another good step in the right direction."