Nova’s Strong Start Moves Yanks Past Braves

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Ivan Nova pitched two-hit ball while working into the seventh inning for the first time this spring, and the New York Yankees beat the Atlanta Braves 7-0 Wednesday.

Nova struck out five in 6 1-3 innings and lowered his ERA to 3.66 in his fifth start. Carlos Beltran had three hits and drove in two runs and Adonis Garcia raised his spring batting average to .423 with two RBIs.

David Hale went 4 1-3 innings for the Braves, allowing three runs and walking three. With injuries to several starters, Hale is in the mix for one of the final two spots in the rotation. He has a spring ERA of 5.11.