LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Rick Porcello pitched four scoreless innings and rookie Austin Jackson tripled twice as Detroit beat Tampa Bay 9-6 on Sunday.
Porcello, a 21-year-old right-hander who won 14 games in 2009 as a rookie, has yet to allow a run in nine exhibition innings. On Sunday, he faced 15 batters, giving up two hits while striking out one and walking two in an efficient effort.
Jackson, who started in center, was 3-for-4 with three runs.
Rays starter Jeff Niemann also pitched well. He allowed three hits and one earned run in 3 2-3 innings.
Catcher John Jaso and outfielders Sean Rodriguez and Justin Ruggiano homered for Tampa Bay.
