TAMPA, Fla. - Kip Wells' first start for the Pittsburgh Pirates in spring training resulted in three hits and two runs, but zero pain in his right elbow and right middle finger.

Pitching Thursday for the first time in almost six months, Wells avoided injury problems that plagued him throughout the 2004 season. He worked two innings in the Pirates' opener against the New York Yankees that was called after the ninth with the score tied 2-2.