McCann homers off Scherzer, Yankees top Tigers 7-4

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws during the first inning today in Lakeland, Fla.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Max Scherzer allowed a second-inning homer by Yankees newcomer Brian McCann, but the Detroit right-hander was otherwise sharp in his first start of the spring Friday, yielding only that one hit in the Tigers’ 7-4 loss to the New York Yankees.

Scherzer, the American League’s Cy Young Award winner, struck out two without a walk. Three of New York’s top free agent signings from the offseason — McCann, Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury — made the trip to Lakeland to face Detroit’s split squad. McCann’s drive to right leading off the second was the only hit by that trio.

Gary Sanchez, Jose Pirela and Yangervis Solarte also homered for the Yankees.