By FRED GOODALL
AP Baseball Writer
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) -- Freddy Garcia launched his bid to win a spot in the New York Yankees' pitching rotation by working two scoreless innings during a 1-1, 10-inning exhibition tie with the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday.
The 34-year-old, two-time All-Star -- signed to a minor league contract after going 12-6 with a 4.64 ERA for the Chicago White Sox last season -- allowed two hits and struck out one in his spring training debut.
Ivan Nova, also competing for one of two open spots in New York's rotation, followed with a three-inning scoreless stint of his own.
Tampa Bay's Tim Beckham drew a base-loaded walk in the seventh inning. The Yankees tied it in the eighth on a throwing error by shortstop Ray Olmedo.
The game was called after 10 innings.
Received 03/03/11 04:48 pm ET
