KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Randy Johnson pitched four scoreless innings in his second start of the spring, allowing three hits in the Yankees’ 8-2 victory over the Houston Astros yesterday.

Acquired in a January trade with Arizona, Johnson gave up two runs and two hits in two innings in a loss to Atlanta last week. Against Houston, his former team, he threw 55 pitches – 33 for strikes – walked two, and struck out one.

“I think this was a good barometer for me because the biggest thing was that I was able to go from two innings to four innings without any problems,” Johnson said. “By the time I felt like I was just getting my work in during my last start, I was done. I wasn’t happy with everything I threw, but I felt like I was starting to settle in a little bit more.”

Yankees manager Joe Torre hasn’t officially named Johnson his opening night starter against Boston on April 3, but said the team has hinted to Johnson that will be the case. Torre said he expects to announce his opening-night starter sometime next week.

Johnson walked two in the third inning on nine pitches, allowing Houston to load the bases. But he got Jason Lane to fly out to thwart the rally.

Jorge Posada had two hits and two RBIs, including a home run off losing pitcher Chad Harville.

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METS 7, TIGERS 6

Kris Benson had his second solid outing and Chris Woodward moved closer to earning a utility spot with the Mets in their 7-6 win over the Detroit Tigers yesterday.

Benson gave up two hits and two runs in four innings. He held Detroit hitless for the first three innings. Benson said he still needs to work on his cut fastball, but the rest of his pitches were sharp.

“I felt like my slider came around and my fastball was a lot better down in the zone. My changeup was good,” he said.

Woodward continued to impress Mets manager Willie Randolph in his bid for a utility infield spot, going 3-for-3 with a pair of triples. He also made two strong defensive plays. Luis Garcia homered off Detroit closer Troy Percival in the ninth to break a 6-all tie.