TAMPA, Fla. — Andy Pettitte gave the New York Yankees exactly what they wanted: a pain-free start.

Pettitte allowed three runs and three hits over 3 1-3 innings in the Yankees' 8-4 win over the Boston Red Sox today. The left-hander was scratched from his previous start Wednesday due to minor muscle irritation on the outside of his throwing elbow.

"My arm felt good," Pettitte said after his 65-pitch outing. "Felt real good in the first. Got a little tired in the last inning. All in all, it was a good day for me."

Kevin Youkilis hit a solo homer off Pettitte in the fourth.

"I was happy with his performance," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I had no concerns. He threw the ball very well. A couple extra days probably helped."

Pettitte threw an inside fastball to David Ortiz in the third that prompted a brief stare from the designated hitter.

"Great hitters, you have to pitch them inside," Pettitte said. "You have to show them different looks."

Bartolo Colon, making his second spring start for Boston, didn't make it out of the first. The right-hander gave up three hits and four runs in two-thirds of an inning.

Colon signed a minor league deal in February. He went 6-8 with a 6.34 ERA last season for the Los Angeles Angels, and was kept off the playoff roster due to elbow inflammation.

"I haven't felt any pain in my arm," Colon said through a translator. "That's what I need right now, to stay healthy."

Bobby Abreu hit a two-run homer off Julian Tavares in the second to help the Yankees build a 7-0 lead.

New York shortstop Derek Jeter was hit on the left forearm by a Tavares pitch in the second, but stayed in the game.

Boston manager Terry Francona announced earlier today that Japanese right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka will pitch the regular-season opener March 25 against Oakland in Tokyo.

"I think there will be a ton of excitement," Francona said. "I know he's honored."

The Red Sox will depart for Japan after Wednesday's game with Toronto.

Notes: New York is scheduled to play at Virginia Tech on Tuesday. ... Yankees closer Mariano Rivera said he will throw two innings in a minor league game Tuesday. RHP Mike Mussina also will pitch in a minor league game Tuesday. ... Boston RHP Clay Buchholz allowed two hits over four scoreless innings in a Triple-A game. ... Coco Crisp (groin) went 1-for-5 and Bobby Kielty (right calf) was 1-for-4 in minor league games. The Boston outfielders are scheduled to play in minor league games again Tuesday. ... Colon threw 41 pitches. ... Yankees INF Chris Woodward is out with right hamstring tightness.