Hughes Strikes out 12 in Extended Spring Training Game

As the Yankees and their fans cope with losing the first game of the season to their hated rivals, the Boston Red Sox, there was some good new that came out today. Hughes struck out 12 and gave up 3 hits over the equivalent of 8 and 1/3 scoreless innings of an extended spring training game. He threw 70 of his 100 pitches for strikes.

Now, to this day I still don't quite understand the differences or importance of an extended spring if he only threw an equivalent of 8 1/3 innings. However, 70 of 100 pitches for strikes is a good sign and striking out 12 is obviosuly a good sign as well. It actually has gotten me quite excited for when he makes his first start of the season next week against the Angels.