Blasé Bombers Beaten

Here’s a little irony: Former Texas slugger, Alex Rodriguez, struck out to end game six of the ALCS, sending the Rangers to their first ever World Series. Rodriguez was fanned by Neftali Feliz to seal the Rangers’ 6-1 victory over the defending champion New York Yankees. Texas begins their quest for a franchise-first title on Wednesday. They face the winner of the Philadelphia-San Francisco series. For New York and All-Star Rodriguez, it’s time to head home without back-to-back championships.
Yankees’ hurler, Phil Hughes, was charged with four runs in four 2/3 innings to take the loss. The beating started early for New York. Texas scored in the bottom of the first after Elvis Andrus led off with a double. ALCS MVP, Josh Hamilton, lined a single to left to advance the runner to third. Andrus came around to score on Vlad Guerrero’s infield groundout to put the Rangers up in the early going. Colby Lewis stunned New York’s offense, keeping the Yankees scoreless through four frames. Lewis spun a perfect second and third frame, and limited the defending champions to just three hits in eight innings. His only blemish was a fifth inning wild pitch that resulted in Rodriguez’s tally.
Hughes settled down to work around a couple base runners to keep it a one run game. He was blasted in the fifth. Mitch Moreland’s infield single was followed by a pair of groundouts. Hughes elected to issue an intentional pass to Hamilton with Moreland pacing the third base line, hungry to score. Guerrero stepped to the plate with two on and two outs, and promptly drove Hughes’ curveball to deep center. The outfielder’s two-run double signaled the end to Hughes’ evening. Dave Robertson replaced the rocked starter but didn’t offer any solace for the Yankees. Robertson allowed an inside fastball to Nelson Cruz to clear the centerfield wall. The Rangers were up 5-1 just like that.
Texas would add to their four run lead in the seventh, while the Yankees inept swings continued to plague the team. New York never threatened the rest of the game and were victims to nine strikeouts. Lance Berkman’s two out triple in the seventh was a mere waste after the first baseman was stranded in scoring position. Kerry Wood and Mariano Rivera were summoned from the bullpen down the stretch, but it was New York’s starting pitching and offense that failed them this series. Rodriguez froze on a slider from Cruz to end any hope of a game seven for the Yankees. Texas outscored the Bombers 21-6 during the six games they played. Now the World Series is coming to Texas.

Parting Points: I’m happy for Nolan Ryan. Great pitcher, and deserving of seeing his team in the Fall Classic. Too bad it had to be at the Yankees’ expense. I’m also happy for ten-year Ranger, Michael Young. He seems like a great guy on and off the field.

In the words of Jakob Dylan- “Nothing is forever”

Texas Trounce 'Em

The Bombers are on the brink of elimination. The defending world champion Yankees find themselves in grim position after losing game four of the ALCS to the Rangers last night at the stadium in the Bronx. The Yankees lost 10-3 and now face a must-win situation for the rest of the series. Texas grabbed a 3-1 lead in the seven game set and has the added advantage of throwing Cliff Lee should there be a game seven in Arlington. The Bombers, meanwhile, are just hoping the series goes back to Texas. Not only was New York defeated for the third straight game and second at home, but they also lost All-Star first baseman, Mark Teixeira for the remainder of the playoffs. The powerful switch-hitting slugger suffered a strained hamstring in the fifth inning on Tuesday.
Notoriously shaky starter, A.J. Burnett, turned in a decent performance for the pinstripes through six innings. He retired the first six batters he faced and looked sharp going perfect through two innings. Burnett was pitching on 17 days’ rest but held the Texas offense in check through the initial frames. The Yankees didn’t exactly help their struggling starter by lighting up the scoreboard. New York managed a measly three runs on seven hits against Texas pitching. Robinson Cano, seemingly the only Bomber who can actually blast bombs, belted a solo homerun in the second innings off Tommy Hunter. The Rangers got the run back in the top of the third, and tacked on another tally off the wild Burnett. Burnett’s wild pitch was followed by a hit batter to put runners at first and second for Elvis Andrus. The leadoff shortstop’s stroked an RBI grounder to first to tie the game. Michael Young’s infield single made it 2-1 Texas.
The Yankees got one run lead back in the bottom of the third. Curtis Granderson knocked in a run with a two-out single off Hunter. Brett Gardner’s grounder scored Alex Rodriguez to give the home team a 3-2 advantage in the fourth. Burnett preserved the lead in the fourth escaped a fifth frame jam before allowing the Rangers to take the lead for good on Molina’s sixth inning homerun. Texas’s three spot was followed by an annihilation of the Bombers’ bullpen the rest of the contest. The Rangers tacked on a pair of runs in the seventh on MVP-candidate, Josh Hamilton’s long ball. Hamilton homered off Boone Logan for a 6-3 Texas lead. Yankee reliever, Joba Chamberlain yielded a Vlad Guerrero double and walked Nelson Cruz on four pitches before Ian Kinsler’s RBI base hit.
Derek Holland gave Texas 3 2/3 innings of relief to earn the win. In the ninth, the Rangers continued to feast off the Yankee bullpen to win in convincing fashion. Hamilton hammered his second homerun off Sergio Mitre to lead off the frame. Cruz added a solo shot after driving a 0-2 offering from the 29 year old reliever. Former Bomber, Darren Oliver, closed out the game in the bottom of the ninth for visiting Texas. Oliver had little trouble in retiring the Yankees in order to wrap up the victory. The Yankees’ chances of winning three consecutive decisions is slight. They will have to do so without their first baseman. Eduardo Nunez is expected to replace Teixeira. Game five is today at 4pm. Yankee ace, C.C. Sabathia opposes Texas’ C.J. Wilson in a rematch of game one. If the wildcard-winning Yanks are going to return to the Fall Classic, they’ll have to do it on the road in seven games.

Parting Points: Will Melo be traded?

Lance Berkman is playing first base this afternoon for the Yanks.

Crazy Comeback

It was an ALCS game one comeback no one will soon forget. Never underestimate the New York Yankees. The Bombers clipped the Texas Rangers 6-5 in Arlington on Friday night in the opening game of the ALCS. New York trailed 5-1 through seven innings before rallying in the eighth to take a one run advantage and a 1-0 lead in the seven game series.
C.C. Sabathia struggled mightily pitching on eight days’ rest. Texas bashed the lefty around in the first innings for three runs on three hits. The Rangers batted around and would have extended their remarkable first frame had it not been for a terrific tag at the plate by Sabathia. After tossing a wild pitch, Sabathia made an athletic play to nail a sliding Nelson Cruz for the inning’s final out. Josh Hamilton pounded a three run homerun to give the home team a 3-0 advantage in the first. The Rangers added a pair of runs in the third to jump off to a 5-0 edge against the defending champions. Michael Young’s opposite field double was drilled to right-center to expand the Texas lead.
C.J. Wilson pitched a gem through the early innings for Texas. Wilson did not allow a run as the sluggish Yankee offense was turned away at the plate. The Texas hurler worked out of several jams and looked in good position to earn the post-season victory after cruising through seven. But the Bombers were determined to drive the ball and overcome Sabathia's bleak beginning. Sabathia was pulled after just four frames and 93 pitches. He was replaced by Joba Chamberlain. Chamberlain succeeded in preventing the game from getting any worse. Dustin Moseley was brought in during the sixth and seventh as the middle relievers combined for three scoreless innings.
New York finally put up a run in the top of the seventh. Second base All-Star, Robinson Cano, hammered a 1-1 offering to right for a homerun. In the eighth, things started to unravel for the Rangers as the Yankees sparked a come-from-behind rally in Texas. Wilson was knocked out of the game after allowing Derek Jeter’s run-scoring double. It was the third earned run by the Texas tosser, but the Rangers’ lead was still intact. Darren Oliver, former Yankee reliever, took over for Wilson. The southpaw slinger loaded the bases by walking the only two batters he faced before manager, Ron Washington, pulled him too. Side-arming right-hander, Darren O’Day, was summoned from the bullpen to face Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez ripped O’Day’s first pitch down the third base line for a two-run single. And just like that, the Rangers’ lead was narrowed to 5-4. Cano plated the tying run off Clay Rapada and ARod advanced to third on Hamilton’s error to set up the go-ahead tally. Rapada was replaced by young lefty, Derek Holland as Texas’ fifth pitcher of the frame. Holland failed to record an out before yielding a broken bat single by Marcus Thames that drove in Arod. Hollad retired the next three Yankees but the Bombers’ damage was already done. Cano led all hitters with three hits and two RBIs as New York spoiled Wilson’s seven serviceable innings.
Kerry Wood and Mariano Rivera sealed the Yankee win with two scoreless innings. Wood worked around a leadoff walk in the eight and Rivera dusted off a base hit to strand the Texas base runners and earn the save. Mosley was credited with the win in front of the sellout crowd Friday. Moseley tossed two innings of middle relief and struck out four. Game two pits Colby Lewis against New York’s 18-game winner, Phil Hughes.

Parting Points: What a game last night. It reminded me a bit of the 2003 ALCS, but without the Aaron Boone walk off homer. This is why you never count out the Yanks, and why baseball is still the best game ever.

Buckeyes-Badgers today. Big road test for the Buckeyes.

Song of the day- “Love Song for No One” by John Mayer

“You wanted something beautiful…you wished for something true”- Foo Fighters

Fourth & Final

It was the fourth game of the series, and final of the season, between the Yankees and Rays Thursday night. New York settled for a series split after dropping a 10-3 decision in the Bronx. The Rays’ seven run sixth inning overpowered the Bombers and trimmed Tampa to within a half-game of the division. The win also gave the wildcard-leading Rays a 10-8 season series edge against their AL East rivals. Yankee ace, C.C. Sabathia, allowed seven runs on ten hits while laboring through five innings. Sabathia was outdueled by Rays’ 18 game winner, David Price. Price yielded eight hits in six innings, limiting the Bombers to three runs while fanning seven.
Marcus Thames provided the Bombers with a 2-0 advantage with a second inning homerun, and the Yankees added a tally in the fifth on Nick Swisher’s single. Sabathia gave one run back in the third on Ben Zobrist’s single, before allowing a season high seven runs when the night was over. New York’s 3-1 lead vanished in the top of the sixth. Sabathia’s pitch count stood at 76 against the relentless Rays heading into the fateful frame. Carl Crawford helped rally the Rays with a single off Sabathia. Evan Longoria followed with a double to place runners in scoring position visiting Tampa. Rocco Baldelli plated Crawford with a soft grounder, and Willie Aybar pummeled the Yankee lefty with a base hit to tie the game. Kelly Shopach then walked to load the bases. Sean Rodriguez fought off a full count to draw a walk and bring in another Rays’ run against Sabathia. Joba Chamberlain, on his birthday, was summoned from the Bombers’ bullpen to replace the starter with Tampa ahead 4-3. B.J. Upton greeted Chamberlain by slugging a double off the reliever. Upton’s double increased Tampa’s lead to 6-3 as they batted around in the sixth. Crawford plated two more runs in the frame and finished the with three hits on the evening.
In the bottom half of the sixth, the Yankees threatened by loading the bases. Mark Teixeria tried to help the Bombers grab a few runs back, but Price got the All-star switch-hitter to fly out to end the inning. Javier Vazquez worked the New York seventh, matching a major league record by hitting three straight batters. Shoppach was pegged to force in a run before pinch-hit sensation, Dan Johnson, lofted a sacrifice fly for a 10-3 Rays’ lead. Vazquez regained control to finish off the Rays in the eighth and ninth, but the Yankee offense couldn’t string anything together against Tampa’s bullpen. Joe Girardi, New York skipper, pulled most of his starters by the final innings. New York has six games remaining against Boston, and three with Toronto. The Rays’ schedule is a lighter one and includes contests with Baltimore, Kansas City and Seattle. It appears the Rays have a leg up in the division race, but there are still nearly two weeks of baseball remaining on the season.

Parting Points: “Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over.”- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Obliterating Oakland

Mark Teixeira’s three-run homerun, his 30th of the season, was more than enough offense for the Yankees to beat the Oakland A’s at Yankee Stadium Tuesday night. Vin Mazzaro allowed all New York’s runs as the Athletics dropped a 9-3 decision to the Bombers in the Bronx. Teixeira’s fourth inning bomb resulted in the final tallies for the Yankees and was one of three New York homeruns. It was enough to make All-star starter, Phil Hughes, a winner for the 16th time this season. The victory also netted New York a first place spot in the AL East. The Yankees have sole possession of the division and lead by one game over Tampa.
Hughes wasn’t golden, but needed just five innings to defeat the A’s. The pinstriped hurler allowed two runs on four hits as Oakland dropped their seventh contest against New York in eight tries this season. The Bombers capitalized on a Mark Ellis error in the first inning to go ahead by three runs. Brett Gardner led the offense with a base hit and stole second before Derek Jeter drew a walk. Gardner and Jeter pulled off a double steal before Ellis’ error plated both sparkplugs. Jorge Posada tripled in Nick Swisher for the third and final run of the first frame. It was the first triple by the Yankee catcher since 2008.
The Yankees gave one back in the third on Kurt Suzuki’s sacrifice fly. New York answered in the bottom half of the third with two more tallies. Swisher rocketed a 3-0 offering from Mazzaro to stretch the Yankee lead to 5-1. The two-run drilling, in which Swisher had the green light the entire way, was his 25th of the season. It marks the second straight year the former Oakland outfielder has reached the 25 homerun mark.
The A’s scored a run on two hits in the top of the fourth. Kevin Kouzmanoff tallied a run on a Rajai Davis RBI groundout to close the gap to three runs. New York’s offense exploded in the bottom of the fourth and essentially put the game out of reach. Curtis Granderson clubbed a solo shot and Teixeira completed the scoring for the home team with his 30th long ball. Oakland added a run in the seventh off Chad Gaudin. Daric Barton slugged a solo homerun off the Yankee reliever, accounting for the only run allowed by the Bomber bullpen. The A’s fell to 4-4 on their current road trip and will to win again against New York this evening.

Parting Points: The Cincinnati Reds are amazing.

Rodriguez on Repeat

The Bombers skated to an 8-3 victory in the third installment of a four game series with the Royals in Kansas City on Saturday. All-star third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, ripped three homeruns to back another solid performance by pitcher, Phil Hughes. Hughes tossed six innings and allowed all three Kansas City runs to notch his 14th win of the season. The Yankees improved to 72-44 and lead the majors in wins. Rodriguez has 604 career long balls.
Rodriguez stepped to the plate five times and connected for hits on four appearances. After former Bomber, Wilson Betemit, provided the home team with a 1-0 lead in the first inning, the Yankees tied the game in the fifth and took the lead for good in the sixth. The Yankees used some big swings, but it was ARod who carried the team. Rodriguez took Sean O’Sullivan deep on a 1-2 offering in the fifth for his first homer of the game. Jorge Posada went long on a full count and Curtis Granderson contributed a solo shot to put New York ahead by three. O’Sullivan yielded four runs on eight hits through 5 1/3 frames and was dealt the loss for Kansas City.
Betemit went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. The shortstop planted his fifth homerun of the year into the stands during the sixth frame to draw Kansas City one run closer. The Royals added a tally on Chris Getz’s groundout but wouldn’t plate another runner during the contest. The Bombers’ offense beyond the seventh came courtesy of their star clean-up hitter. Batting DH, ARod smoked a pair of two-run homers in the seventh and ninth frames to give the Yankees a five run cushion. His second tater of the game came off Kanekoa Texeira and Greg Holland was the victim of the third. It was the fourth time in Rodriguez’s career he went long three times in one game. Joba Chamberlain induced three consecutive groundouts in the home half of the seventh for New York. Boone Logan and David Robertson combined to throw a scoreless eighth as the Bombers’ bullpen looks more and more efficient through August. Sergio Mitre faced the minimum in the ninth to seal the deal for the Yankees.

Parting Points: The RichRod interrogations have begun. I sure can’t wait for college football season.

Song for Sunday- “Addicted” by Simple Plan

Salvaging the Split

Jon Lester pitched a thrifty six inning game of four hit ball to win his 12th game of the season for the Boston Red Sox. Lester, Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon were an overpowering pitching trio Monday afternoon in the Bronx as the Sox split a four game series with the Yankees. Boston defeated the Bronx Bombers 2-1 to take the middle two games of the set and remain within six games of the division leaders. New York finished 3-4 on their recent home stand and next head to Texas to battle the first-place Rangers.
Phil Hughes was tagged with his fifth loss of the season for New York. Hughes allowed a pair of runs in the second inning, and was essentially blemish-free the rest of the game. The Yankees’ offense did not give their starter much run support, stranding 11 total base runners in the loss. Mark Teixeira drove in the only Bomber run on his team-leading 26th long ball of the year. Teixeira’s crush came in the bottom of the eighth off Daniel Bard. The Red Sox did all their scoring in the top of the second, pounding out three hits and capitalizing on a Jorge Posada throwing error. Lester tossed 6 1/3 innings, limiting the Yankee bats and fanning six. Newly-acquired Yankee, Austin Kearns, was first to break out against the tough Lester. Kearns’ one-out base hit in the fifth was one of six Bomber hits on Monday. Boston also banged out six hits during the contest, struggling after Hughes’ shaky second inning in which he threw over 40 pitches.
The Yankees had an opportunity in the seventh frame after Lester loaded the bases. Lester buckled down to strike out Curtis Granderson for the first out before being replaced by Bard. Bard needed just six pitches to get Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher whiffing on his 98-plus mph heaters to keep Boston clinging to a two-run edge. Teixeira put the Yankees on the board with a towering leadoff homerun in the eighth and pitted runners on first and second with two outs. Papelbon induced a Kearns ground ball to end the threat and struck out the side in the ninth for the save. Boston continues their road trip when they head to Toronto tomorrow, knowing the Yankees squandered a chance to put them in a deeper division hole.

Parting Points: Buck’s birds? Buck Showalter certainly has a way of motivating an underperforming ballclub. Perhaps he should take over the Seattle job too.

I don’t understand NFL players who hold out and don’t show up at camp. Aren’t these guys making enough money?

Cano’s Clutch Clip Caps Comeback

All-star second baseman, Robinson Cano, belted a tie-breaking ninth inning homerun off All-Star closer, Rafael Soriano, to lift New York over the Rays 5-4 at Tropicana Field on Saturday. Cano’s 21st blast of 2010 gave the visiting Yankees their 34th come-from-behind victory of the season. The second baseman finished 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a solo shot. It was Cano’s 11th career homerun at Tropicana Field and was enough to snap the Rays’ seven-game winning streak. New York leads the AL East by two games over Tampa.
Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher added homeruns for New York as the Yankees defeated their division rivals behind starter, Javier Vazquez. The New York pitcher yielded four runs and eight hits through six plus innings. The Rays scored in the bottom of the first on Evan Longoria’s sacrifice fly and threatened to add to their one run lead after Carl Crawford stole his 38th base. Vazquez escaped the first without allowing another tally. The speedy left fielder for Tampa, Crawford, singled in a run in the third inning but not before the Yankees put up a run in the second. Curtis Granderson answered Longoria’s sacrifice fly with one of his own to tie the contest at 1-1. Tampa retook the lead in the third via Crawford’s RBI and increased their edge to 3-1 in the fifth on Jason Bartlett’s sacrifice fly.
Teixeira erased the 3-1 deficit in the sixth inning with a two run tater off Matt Garza. Garza, toeing the rubber for the first time since his no-hitter, lasted seven innings and allowed four hits on five runs. Garza struck out nine before handing the game over to his bullpen. Tampa’s Matt Joyce provided Garza with the lead again heading into the seventh frame. Joyce clubbed a solo homerun on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the sixth to break a 3-3 tie. Swisher pulled a full count Garza offering to right field in the seventh to make it a tie ball game again. The Yankees’ Boone Logan and Dave Robertson teamed up for a scoreless inning of relief in the eighth. Tampa’s Joaquin Benoit matched the relief duo by tossing a hitless eighth frame to keep the game knotted at 4-4. Cano’s crush off Soriano put the visiting team up by a run and closer, Mariano Rivera made it stand for good in the ninth. Rivera earned his 22nd save of the season, making a winner out of Robertson.
Yankees’ trade-deadline acquisition, Lance Berkman, went 0-for-4 as the designated hitter in his New York debut. New York shipped pitcher, Mark Melancon and infielder, Jimmy Paredes to Houston for Berkman. The Bombers made two more trades in the hours leading up to last night’s deadline. Austin Kearns and Kerry Wood were added to the roster. Kearns and Wood, an outfielder and pitcher from Cleveland, respectively, were traded for players to be named later. Wood’s addition provides a solid veteran in the bullpen and also puts Joba Chamberlain’s role in question. Kearns and Berkman are backup position players who add depth to the bench. Berkman will likely be inserted at first base and DH. Kearns will see time off the bench as a pinch hitter and reserve outfield option for Joe Girardi’s Bombers.

Parting Points: Sunday song- “All My Life” by Foo Fighters

Movie of the day- Brian’s Song

Victory's Voice

All-star Yankee, Nick Swisher, launched a game-tying homerun to lead off the eighth inning against the Tampa Rays Friday in New York. Swisher planted Joaquin Benoit’s 2-1 offering into the stadium seats to knot the AL East rivalry game at 4-4. An inning later, the Yankee slugger drove home the winning run off Lance Cormier as New York bested the Rays 5-4. Mariano Rivera was the winning pitcher after completing a scoreless ninth. The walk-off victory was a fitting way to begin the season’s second half for the defending champions. It was an emotional night in the Bronx, as the team paid tribute to the late owner, George Steinbrenner and public address announcer, Bob Sheppard.
The Rays had an early advantage in a back-and-forth affair in which Tampa scattered nine hits off Yankee pitching. C.C. Sabathia allowed right of those hits. The lefty yielded a second inning run on Willie Aybar’s sacrifice fly to center and gave up another run in the top of the third on an Evan Longoria double. The Bombers got a run back in the bottom half of the frame on Swisher’s RBI single. Swisher went 3-for-5 at the plate but contributed one of two New York errors in the field. Rays’ starter, James Shields tossed six innings of four hit ball. Shields walked three and struck out five while allowing three runs. Tampa built on their 2-1 lead in the fifth but could have produced more runs. Sabathia and the Bomber defense limited the damage after the Rays loaded the bases with no outs. Jason Bartlett tallied the third Tampa run on Longoria’s double play groundout.
Robinson Cano and Jorge Posada erased Tampa’s two run cushion in the fifth. Cano knocked home a run on his own solo shot off Shields. Posada pounded a 3-0 high fastball into the second deck in right to tie the game at 3-3. Both long balls came with two outs. Sabathia remained in the game through the seventh, allowing another run to cross the plate. Tampa retook their one run edge on Ben Zobrist’s groundout to first base. B.J. Upton scored on the play. Sabathia retired the next batter to end the threat with two runners on base. The 30 year old hurler fanned six Rays on the night but left without earning his 13th win. Tampa’s Grant Balfour held the Yankees scoreless in the bottom of the seventh, and New York reliever, Dave Robertson, struck out the side in the top of the eighth.
After Rivera held the contest at 4-4 in the ninth, the Yankees came to the plate to face Randy Choate. Curtis Granderson singled to lead off the frame and reached second on a sacrifice bunt by Ramiro Pena. Brett Gardner walked on a full count to put runners on first and second with one out. Dan Wheeler was called in from the Rays’ bullpen and retired Derek Jeter for the second out. Seven-year veteran, Cormier, couldn’t record the final out for the Rays. Swisher lined a base hit to punch home the winning tally and keep New York’s record as the best in baseball. Choate was charged with the loss.

Parting Points: I didn’t know J.J. Redick was worth that much.

Stephen Strasburg is something else. I like this kid.

Finally, I can’t wait to see the deal the Rams have in store for Sam Bradford.

Song of the day- “Until I Fall Away” by Gin Blossoms. These guys drop a new album in September titled “No Chocolate Cake”. I can’t wait to hear it.

Chaotic Chamberlain Collapse Crushes Champs

This is my 600th blog post. It will be a round-up of---who other than the New York Yankees. Unfortunately for me, the Yankees lost to the Mariners at Safeco Field in Seattle last night. New York tried unsuccessfully to trade for Cliff Lee on Friday afternoon. The Yankees’ starting pitching isn’t the problem. Joe Girardi’s defending champions could have used an eighth inning set-up man last night as Joba Chamberlain gave up a grand slam and a 1-0 lead out of the bullpen. Chamberlain’s disastrous outing wasted a brilliant and scoreless effort from Javier Vasquez and snapped New York’s seven game winning streak.
The Yankees have struggled to score runs in support of Vasquez and last night was more of the same. New York ‘s only tally came in the top of the third off Seattle seven-gamew inning ace, Felix Hernandez. Newly-appointed All-Star, Nick Swisher, smacked his 15th homerun of the year, a solo shot off the 24 year old. Vazquez carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and struck out seven Mariners on the evening. Ichiro Suzuki was first to crack through with an infield single in the sixth. The Yankee hurler got out of a bases loaded jam in the seventh and exited the game with just three hits allowed and a pair of walks. Chamberlain was summoned in relief during the eighth inning and yielded two singles to start the frame. Chamberlain’s wild pitch allowed Suzuki to advance to third base and Chone Figgins to take second. Russell Branyan was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out in the eighth before Chamberlain fell behind in the count to Seattle slugger, Jose Lopez. Lopez drilled the next pitch into the left field seats for a grand slam and 4-1 Mariners edge. The debacle of an inning marked the fourth time this season Chamberlain has given up at least three runs in a frame.
Hernandez finished the game for the home team for his second complete game in eleven days against New York. The Yankees plated pinch-hitter Jorge Posada with one out in the top of the ninth. Posada represented the tying run after Curtis Granderson doubled and Derek Jeter reached safely on an infield single. The Yankee catcher was fanned on a questionable high third strike call for the second out. Brett Gardner ended New York’s threat and the game by striking out looking. Just like that Seattle ended a five game losing skid. Chamberlain took the loss, his first of the season as the Yankees fell for just the 32nd time. The Mariners improved to 35-52, good for last place in the AL West. Today is the last game before the MLB All-Star break. C.C. Sabathia takes the hill for New York against Seattle’s Ryan Rowland-Smith. Sabathia, an All-star, tries to become the league’s second 12-game winner at 4:05 this afternoon.
Parting Points: As always, I’m looking forward to the All-Star game.

Cliff Lee was roughed up in his Texas debut.

Bullpen Blues in Bronx

The Bluejays snapped a five game skid in the Bronx by edging the New York Yankees 6-1 in an 11 inning pitcher’s duel yesterday afternoon. A.J. Burnett was back on track for New York, delivering 6 2/3 scoreless innings before he left with a one run lead. Toronto lefty, Brett Cecil gave up one run on four hits through six frames. Both hurlers turned the tight contest over to their bullpens, with contrasting results. The Bombers’ bullpen imploded, while the Bluejays were brilliant in relief of their starter.
Aaron Hill connected on a ground ball single off New York’s Joba Chamberlain in the eighth inning to tie the game at 1-1. The two out RBI shot skidded past a diving Rodriguez at third base. Rodriguez wasn’t the problem for the Yankees yesterday, however. He was the only Bomber to tally an RBI, and one of four batters to record a hit. The third baseman’s sacrifice fly in the first inning gave the home team a 1-0 lead. The lack of offense was the theme the rest of the game. The Yankees didn’t manage a hit after the seventh inning. Relievers Shawn Camp, Scott Downs, Jason Frasor and Kevin Gregg combined to allow only one hit and no walks over the final five frames. The Yankees stranded 14 base runners and went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
The Yankees’ bullpen continued to blow-up after Chamberlain gave up the thin edge in the eighth. Dave Robertson was tagged with the loss after giving up consecutive singles in the 11th. An intentional free pass was issued to Toronto’s Fred Lewis after the runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Jarrett Hoffpauir. Alex Gonzalez followed Lewis by lacing a single to left field to plate the go-ahead run. Chan Ho Park relieved Robertson and struck out Jose Bautista for the second out of the inning. Veteran outfielder, Vernon Wells, worked a full count walk to send another Bluejay runner home and load the bases. DeWayne Wise pounded a triple off Park to clear the bases for a 6-1 Jays’ lead. That wasn’t quite the last of the dysfunctional Yankees bullpen, however. Park hit Hill with a pitch before finally securing the third out on Overbay’s grounder to first baseman, Mark Teixeria. Gregg tossed a one-two-three bottom of the 11th inning to seal the deal for visiting Toronto. Frasor picked up the win, his third of the season for Cito Gaston’s Jays. Gaston was ejected arguing with umpire, Mark Wegner. The teams return to Yankee Stadium for a 1:05 start time for the second game of the three game set. The Bombers are looking for their lineup to light up as Andy Pettitte takes the hill vying for his tenth victory.

Parting Points: Musician of the day---Jack Johnson

L.A.'s Loney Lets Loose

World champ Burnett whacked, walloped out West

James Loney drove in four runs as the Dodgers dropped the visiting New York Yankees 9-4 on Saturday night. The L.A. first baseman collected his 51st RBI of the season a night after being tossed for arguing calls at the end of the game. The Dodgers delighted the crowd with seven runs through the first four innings off slumping starter, A.J. Burnett and reliever Boone Logan. Saturday was the third straight game the Yankees’ number two pitcher was knocked out after just four innings or fewer. Burnett is 6-7, and for the first time all year, under the .500 mark.
The Yankees’ offense got the ball rolling in their first licks. Birthday boy, 36 year old Derek Jeter, walked to lead off the game and reached second safely on a steal. Russell Martin’s throwing error at backstop allowed the captain to hustle into third before the Dodgers recorded an out. Mark Teixeira drilled his 13th homerun in the first innings. Teixeira’s three run blast came off Dodgers’ winning pitcher, Hiroki Kuroda. Burnett was handed a three run advantage before he even toed the L.A. rubber. The 33 year old couldn’t make the lead stand at Dodger Stadium. Joe Torre’s Dodgers got back a pair of runs off his former team in the bottom of the first frame. Manny Ramirez doubled to right field to drive in the first L.A. run before Loney’s sacrifice fly to left scored Andre Ethier from third base.
Back-to-back singles by Jeter and Curtis Granderson in the third inning set up another New York scoring opportunity. Alex Rodriguez grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Jeter and give the Bombers a 4-2 edge. Burnett was horrendously wild the rest of his stint and was pulled after three plus innings by manager, Joe Girardi. The Yankees’ tosser issued six walks, six hits and allowed six runs when all was said and done. The Dodgers did their damage in the third inning, posting three runs and punishing Burnett in his shortest outing of the season. Loney punched home a pair of runs on a base hit to right to tie the game. Ramirez scored the fifth L.A. tally on Martin’s groundout double play ball. Logan was summoned from the bullpen in the bottom of the fourth and promptly allowed a run on Casey Blake’s double.
Kuroda recovered long enough to get through the sixth inning unscathed. Kuroda gave up seven hits and fanned five for his seventh victory of the season. The Yankees didn’t score after the third inning as Kuroda and three relievers kept the Bombers off the scoreboard. Torre’s club stopped a four game losing streak but not before chipping in more runs off the Yankee bullpen. The Dodgers extended their lead to 9-4in the seventh on Rafael Furcal’s RBI single and a Matt Kemp extra-base hit. Both runs came off an underwhelming Chan Ho Park. Closer Jonathan Broxton recorded the final four outs for the Dodgers, including an eighth inning strikeout of Jeter to end the Yankees’ threat. Both teams play for the series win this evening when Andy Pettitte opposes Clayton Kershaw.

Parting Points: Sweet Sunday song- U2’s “The Sweetest Thing”

I would have liked to see Madison Bumgarner defeat the Red Sox in his 2010 debut.

Tough ouster for team USA. I guess you could say they are “GHAN-ERS!”

Desert Drilling

It was a dreary day for desert baseball. The top-seeded Arizona State Sun Devils were doused and eliminated by South Carolina in the College World Series. The major league slugging Diamondbacks were then drilled and drubbed by the defending champions. Alex Rodriguez and the robust Yankee lineup rocked the Diamondbacks last night at Chase Field in Phoenix, lifting Andy Pettitte to his ninth win of the season. The New York southpaw pitched a two-run, seven hit ball game through seven innings as the Bombers dispatched the Dbacks and coasted to a 9-3 road victory. Rodriguez banged a two-run homerun to center in the first inning and finished with three RBIs. Pettitte, the 38 year old hurler, picked up his sixth straight win, and 238th of his career, while fanning seven Arizona batters.
Dan Haren gave Arizona a strong outing and contributed at the plate with a pair of RBs in the second inning. Pettitte walked Chris Snyder to load the bases for the Arizona pitcher. The DBack’s ninth hitter poked an opposite-field single to right to drive in the first two Arizona runs. Haren tossed seven innings of six hit ball and struck out eight Bombers. His only blemish following the Rodriguez bomb was a three hit third inning in which the Yankees scored a run on a Rodriguez base hit. The Yankees third baseman went 2-for-3 with a walk. Haren held the Yankees in check after the third, allowing only a Pettitte single. The Yankees finished the night with twelve hits, eight of which came off the bats of the first four batter in the lineup.
The visitors busted the game open after Haren’s exit in the eighth with 109 pitches under his belt. New York tacked on six combined runs off Arizona relievers, Esmerling Vasquez and Chad Qualls. The six spot started with Mark Teixeira’s RBI single. Robinson Cano added a run-scoring base hit before Qualls was summoned from the DBack’s bullpen. Jorge Posada lofted a sacrifice fly to score Teixeira. Curtis Granderson drove in a run and scored the final tally of the big inning on pinch hitter, Colin Curtis’, double. Cano also crossed home on the extra-base blast. It was Curtis’ first big league hit and first two RBIs that certainly capped off a firm frame for the visiting team. Joba Chamberlain and Dave Robertson relieved Pettitte in the final two innings with a seven run cushion. Chamberlain issued a walk and struck out two in the eighth, and Robertson allowed a run on a Kelly Johnson’s double. The Yankees improved to 44-27 on the season and play the rubber game of the series late tonight. Dontrelle Willis toes the rubber for Arizona against former Dback, 6-6 Javier Vazquez.

Parting Points: Wimbledon updates- Samantha Stosur lost to a qualifier, eighth seeded, Fernando Verdasco was dropped by a clay courter and James Blake suffered a straight set thumping against a Dutchman. What do these three losses have in common?
I did not recognize any of the winners’ names.

The Marlins fired Freddy Gonzalez and the USA pulled off a last-minute win to advance at the World Cup.

Bombers Blanked in Bronx

The New York Mets haven’t lost any luster away from luxurious Citi Field. The Amazin’s extended their road winning streak to seven after prevailing Friday night at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The Bombers were shut out for just the second time at home this season, fall to their inter-city rivals 4-0. Hisanori Takahashi yielded four hits in six innings for the Mets. The 35 year old Japanese southpaw stymied the Bronx bats for the second time this season as the Mets blanked the Yankees in the Subway Series opener. Takahashi improved to 6-2 as a starter in outdueling Vasquez for the second time this season.
Losing pitcher, Javier Vasquez, couldn’t prevent the Mets from vaulting to a season-high eleven games over .500. The Mets trail Atlanta by a half-game for first in the NL East and are an impressive 9-1 against AL East clubs this season. The Yankees are tied with Tampa for the top spot in the division. Vasquez pitched respectively through seven strong innings of one run ball, but the slumping Yankee bats were sluggish and lazy in backing their 6-6 starting pitcher. Vazquez issued three walks and fanned four Amazins after allowing an Ike Davis RBI base hit in the top of the first. Takahashi and Vasquez settled into their grooves and matched mound mastery through six innings in front of a sold out stadium. The low-scoring dual was shattered in the eighth after Angel Pagan pelted a two-run double off Yankee reliever, Chan Ho Park. Jose Reyes collected his second hit and 25th RBI in the ninth with a base hit off Boone Logan to give the Mets a 4-0 cushion. The Yankees were shut down by closer, Francisco Rodriguez, in the bottom of the ninth after loading the bases with one out against Raul Valdes. Rodriguez was on the sour side of a 12-pitch walk to Brett Gardner before striking out captain, Derek Jeter and getting Nick Swisher to pop-up for the final out. It was K-Rod’s 16th save of the season. Francisco Cervelli and Swisher starred for the Yankee offense with two hits apiece, neither of which drove in any runs.
The Yankees send 9-1 hurler, Phil Hughes, to the hill this afternoon to face the Mets’ own 9-1 tosser, Mike Pelfrey. It’s Lou Gehrig’s birthday, so I fully expect the pinstripes to pull out a win for the Ironhorse.
Parting Points: In addition to Gehrig’s birthday, it also happens to be Paula Abdul’s birthday.
Song for Saturday- “Opposites Attract” by Paula Abdul

Bomber Bats Break-out

Derek Jeter stamped his name into another category in the history books on the third pitch he saw in Saturday’s game between the Yankees and the Astros. The New York shortstop socked Wandy Rodriguez’s 2-0 offering into the Houston bullpen in the bottom of the first. The solo shot tied Rickey Henderson for the franchise record 24 leadoff homeruns and gave the Bombers a 1-0 edge. The Yankees went on to beat the Astros convincingly, 9-3, in the second installment of interleague play. Rodriguez was tagged for eight runs and seven hits in the loss. Javier Vasquez manned the hill for New York, tossing seven solid innings of six hit ball for his sixth win of the season. Vasquez has won three straight starts and did not issue a base on balls yesterday. The Yankees climbed to a season-best 16 games over .500 with the victory yesterday.
Jeter’s leadoff blast set the tone for an offense roughed up the Houston left-hander. Houston’s Hunter Pence knocked home a run in the bottom of the second and Carlos Lee jacked a one-run homer in the third to give the Astros a 2-1 road lead. For Pence, it was his tenth tater of the season. The Bomber bats quickly answered by belting out three hits in a five run third. Jeter drew a full count walk and stole second on catcher, Humberto Quintero’s throwing error. Jeff Keppinger failed to make the catch on the play, and Jeter hustled to third base. Nick Swisher singled in the Yankee captain to knot the game at 2-2. Rodriguez walked Mark Teixeira and loaded the bases after allowing a Robinson Cano infield single. New York backstop, Jorge Posada, cleared the bases with a grand slam to pad the Yankee lead to 6-2. It was the 250th connection for the 38 year old catcher in his career, tying Graig Nettles for seventh on the all-time franchise list. With Alex Rodriguez out of the lineup, Joe Girardi’s offense received key contributions from other sluggers.
The Astros’ Rodriguez was lifted after consecutive walks in the sixth but Vasquez pitched deep into the game, yielding just one more Houston run. Lee crushed his fastball into the seats in the top half of the sixth for the DH’s tenth of the season. Lee wasn’t the only player with a multi-homer game Saturday. Jeter shipped another one over the fence good for three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Jeter’s second dinger came off reliever, Jeff Fulchino. Vasquez’s velocity reached mid to upper 80’s and the Astros could barely touch him. The Bomber bullpen took over in the eighth, striking out two and giving up three hits. David Robertson and Chad Gaudin tossed two scoreless frames to finish out the Yanks’ refreshing 39th victory of the season. Houston hurler, Brian Moehler, will try to salvage the third game of the series at Yankee Stadium this afternoon. Phil Hughes seeks his ninth win for the Yankees, who are looking for the home sweep.

Parting Points: Posada’s grand slam wasn’t the biggest one in the MLB yesterday.
Boston’s Daniel Nava launched a slam on the first major league pitch he saw.

How about that gift goal for team USA?

Song of the day- Kris Allen’s cover of “Falling Slowly”

Alex and Andy Attack

Alex Rodriguez celebrated his 20th career grand slam while everyone else was celebrating Memorial Day. The Yankees’ third baseman ripped a four run shot off Cleveland reliever, Chris Perez, to spark a seventh inning rout of the visiting Indians at Yankee Stadium yesterday afternoon. New York scored six runs in the seventh and added three more in the eighth in an 11-2 final against the Tribe. Veteran left-hander, Andy Pettitte, notched his seventh victory of the season in a seven inning, two-hit outing. Pettitte tied Whitey Ford on the Bombers’ all-time wins list with 236. The New York southpaw can lay claim to the lowest ERA of his career through ten starts. Pettitte has not issued a walk in his last 15 innings.
New York opened up a 1-0 lead in their first at-bats of the day. Rodriguez singled in centerfielder, Curtis Granderson from third base off Tribe tosser, Max Talbot. Talbot allowed three runs through six 1/3 innings and took the loss for Cleveland. The Yankees scattered nine hits against Talbot and finished with a season high 18 on the afternoon. Jhnny Peralta got a run back in the top of the second off Pettitte. Peralta pounded his fourth homerun, a solo shot on a 2-1 count, to tie the game at 1-1. Pettitte’s curveball was biting and effective from that point on. He utilized a cut fastball and occasional changeup to retire the last 14 batters he faced on Monday. The Yankees backed their starter with a run in the fourth to post a one-run lead. Brett Gardner’s base hit scored Nick Swisher with two outs but the speedy Bomber was thrown out trying to steal second to end the inning after breaking the tie.
A-Rod broke open a close 2-1 contest in the seventh to give New York’s bullpen a comfortable cushion to work with. Perez’s ill-advised intentional walk to Mark Teixeira pitted runners at every base for the feisty Rodriguez. Rodriguez cranked a 3-1 offering beyond the centerfield fence to give New York a 6-1 edge before Robinson Cano followed with a long ball of his own off Chris Perez. Indian relievers, Chris and Rafael Perez combined to give up five runs in the seventh without recording an out. Pettitte was prepared to come back for the eighth inning after hurling just 90 pitches but Joe Girardi pulled his starter for Chan Ho Park. Park allowed a run on a pair of hits through two frames to hand the Indians their 31st loss of the year.
Thirty-five year old, Jamey Wright, yielded five hits and three runs to New York in an inning and a half relief. Rodriguez clubbed an eighth inning double off Wright to score Ramiro Pena. Pena filled in for the injured Derek Jeter, who took an early exit after getting beaned in the lower thigh with a pitch. The Yankees plated two more tallies off Wright on Cano’s infield single. Former Bomber, Shelly Duncan gave the Indians a run in the top of the ninth off Park, but it was hardly enough to erase a ten run deficit. The Tribe lost three out of four in the Bronx, their only triumph coming after Saturday’s seventh inning scoring barrage.

Parting Points: The Flyers deserved to win Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, but now find themselves in a 0-2 hole. Chicago was the better team last night.

Congratulations to Duke on their first Men’s Lacrosse title.

Roger Federer falls to Robin Soderling at the French.

Mired in Metropolitan Malaise

The first installment of the 2010 Subway Series went to the Bronx Bombers. The Mets hosted the Yankees at Citi Field Friday night in the opening game of a three game New York-New York series. Javier Vazquez enjoyed an outstanding outing, a six inning shutout stint for his second solid start in as many tries. The Yankee hurler pitched one-hit ball as the Bombers outlasted their cross town rivals, 2-1. The Mets didn’t score until the final frame and fell for the fifth consecutive time to the players wearing pinstripes. They clearly need an urgent survival kit if they anticipate any semblance of a playoff berth.
The Yankees’ offense provided a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to finally break a scoreless tie. Kevin Russo took the only Yankee RBIs of the night when he launched a two run double off 39 year old Met reliever, Elmer Dessens. It was rookie Russo’s second major league hit. The first came during the third inning off New York starting lefthander, Hisanori Takahashi. The Japanese pitcher was making his Major League debut and succeeded in stifling the Bombers through six innings. Takahashi scattered six hits and struck out five. The Yankees couldn’t score until Russo’s crack found the right field grass in the seventh off the bullpen. Alex Rodriguez shared a pair of hits and a walk in the victory to reach base three times.
Vazquez earned his third win of the season for Joe Girardi’s Yankees with a pinpoint fastball. He walked Alex Cora in the first inning before setting down eight straight batters. It was the righty’s first look at a National League club since he threw for Atlanta a season ago. Vazquez dominated the Mets through six, but was pulled after fouling off a bunt and bloodying his finger. Girardi swapped his starter with just 70 pitches on his ledger with reliever, Dave Robertson. Jerry Manuel’s Mets mustered a meager hit off Vazquez and added one more against the Bomber bullpen until Mariano Rivera in the ninth. Vazquez allowed a one-out single in the fifth to Angel Pagan and Robertson yielded a hit to the first batter he faced in the seventh, Cora. Damaso Marte and Joba Chamberlain rescued the Yankees after backstop, Francisco Cervelli’s seventh inning errors. Chamerbalin fanned three of the five Mets he faced.
Rivera entered the ninth inning seeking his first save since the last day in April. The future Hall-of-fame closer recorded the first two outs before Jason Bay shot the ball off the left field wall for a double. Ike Davis doubled to cut the deficit to one on the first offering he saw from Rivera. Struggling third baseman, David Wright, ruined the harried Mets’ hapless hopes for a home rally with a game ending groundout. The banged-up Yankees defeated the deflated Mets during a tight contest in front of a record Citi Field crowd. Phil Hughes opposes the Mets’ Mike Pelfrey in tonight’s game two of the series.

Parting Points: The Blackhawks are very much in control of the Sharks.

Song of the moment- “My Hero”- Foo Fighters

Thames' Timely Tater

The Red Sox offense went deep five times at Yankee Stadium Monday night. Boston scored nine runs on thirteen hits. The visiting team from Beantown even came back from a 5-0 first inning deficit to take the lead in the eighth inning. Yet, the Red Sox left the Bronx ballpark losers of their eighth straight in New York because the rival Yankees staged a ninth frame comeback in the thrilling two-game series opener. Alex Rodriguez clubbed a game tying homerun to left center off closer, Jonathan Papelbon and Marcus Thames plated the go-ahead run moments later with a two-run blast. Javier Vasquez picked up his second win in his second stint in pinstripes after recording the final out of the ninth. It was the third career relief outing for the struggling starter, but an overall productive one as his team bounced back from a devastating dropping Sunday night.
Boston’s Daisuke Matsuzaka gave up five first inning runs to the potent Bombers. Rodriguez singled in Derek Jeter and Brett Gardner for the first two tallies of the inning. Robinson Cano’s base hit to left field signaled in Mark Teixeira from third base, and Francisco Cervelli’s double produced the fourth New York run all with no outs. Cervilli crossed the plate on Marcus Thames’ sacrifice fly to complete the Yankees’ five-run jumpstart. Boston got a run back in the top of the second off Phil Hughes. Hughes tossed five innings of six hit ball, including an Adrian Beltre RBI single in the second. Gardner gave the Yankees a 6-1 advantage in the bottom half of the second when he raced home on Teixeiria’s double. The young Yankee centerfielder scored three times during the contest and collected two hits.
David Ortiz launched his seventh homerun of the season on a 1-1 offering from Hughes in the fourth. J.D. Drew added his own long ball an inning later to put the Red Sox within one run. New York got an insurance run in their half of the fifth when Thames doubled in Cervelli for a 7-5 Bomber edge. Boone Logan replaced Hughes in the sixth and allowed Victor Martinez to drill his first of two homeruns of the night. The Boston slugger smacked his second in the eighth on a full count but not before teammate, Kevin Youkilis, roped a two run tater to lead off the inning. It was the sixth time this season the Boston first baseman went yard. Both homeruns were served up by Chan Ho Park. Youkilis couldn’t help the Red Sox in the ninth, however. Vasquez fanned Youkilis to hold the Boston lead at two with runners at the corners and two outs. Papelbon was summoned from the bullpen in the bottom of the ninth. The closer promptly yielded a Gardner double before giving up Rodriguez’s game tying bomb. Papelbon hit Cervelli with a pitch and let Thames walk off with the winning homerun a batter later to suffer his third loss of the year. Thames’ four RBIs Monday were one short of his career high. The well-traveled right fielder has 10 RBIs for New York and is batting .365 though a month and a half of 52 at-bats. Matsuzaka allowed seven runs and nine hits as the Red Sox fell under the .500 mark with a 19-20 record.

Parting Points: Tuesday’s tune-“Insensitive” by Jann Arden

I wish Tampa Bay would cool off before coming to New York. They are impressive.

Kobe helped the Lakers set down out the Suns for 40 points in Game 1. I think L.A. will take this series. It’s a tossup in the East, however.

Torn Twins Torched

Andy Pettitte’s cutters were crisp and his curveballs crafty as the veteran Yankee southpaw two-hit the Minnesota Twins in a commanding 7-1 New York victory yesterday afternoon. Mark Teixeira and Jorge Posada led the Bomber offense with a pair of two-run seventh inning blasts off the Twins’ bullpen. Stingy starter, Francisco Liriano, tossed six innings and allowed three runs, but Minnesota failed to conquer the Yankees in New York for the tenth straight time. The Yankees improved to 24-12 on the young year and 7-1 against the Twins.
Pinstriped Pettitte was vintage in his first return to the mound since a 10 day stint on the disabled list. The 37 year old lefty won his fifth game while shutting out the Twins through 6 1/3 innings. Pettitte walked three, struck out two and left the mound with a 3-0 lead in the seventh. The Yankee ace is tied for the league lead in wins and owns the lowest ERA of his career at 1.89 this season. Pettitte required just 22 batters in Saturday’s win over Minnesota. The Yankees defense helped keep runners off base with outstanding fielding in aid of Andy. Brett Gardner’s diving shoestring stab stopped leadoff man, Denard Span, from reaching base on a hard liner during the first frame. Nick Swisher added his own pretty catch with a sparkling third inning grab to rob Drew Butera of an extra base hit.
New York plated two runs to provide Pettitte with a small cushion through two innings. All-star third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, continued his Twins’ pounding with an RBI single in the first inning. Derek Jeter knocked home the second Yankee run in the second frame for his 23rd of the season. The Yankees scored again in the sixth as they chipped away at a settled-in Liriano. Liriano allowed nine hits and fanned seven, including striking out the side twice. The Minnesota moundsman served up a Marcus Thames single in the sixth, yielding his third earned run. Pettitte survived a tough test in the top of the sixth as his control wavered, but the lefty held on to get out of the inning unscathed.
The Twins were unable to dent New York’s pitching until the eighth when the game was already out of reach. Jesse Cain and Ron Mahay severed any chance for the Twins to come back. Cain was summoned in the seventh from Ron Gardenhire’s bullpen. The reliever walked Swisher and gave up a Teixeira tater, both on full counts. Gardenhire pulled Cain after the hurler allowed Rodriguez to double and induced a Robinson Cano groundout. Mahay took over the hill with excruciating results for the Twins. Posada drove Mahay’s 1-1 offering over the centerfield wall for a 7-0 New York advantage. It was the backstop’s eighth homer and one of three hits on the afternoon. Minnesota put their only run on the board during a three hit eighth inning. DH Joe Mauer singled off Boone Logan for one of seven Twins’ hits. Logan allowed four hits in the ten batters he faced but the Bomber bullpen kept the win in tact. The series concludes today in New York with Sergio Mitre scheduled to start against Minnesota’s Nick Blackburn. Mitre is seeking his first win of the season. The righty is starting because of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Blackburn, also a righty, is coming off his best start of the season, a seven inning shutout over Baltimore. The Twins will try to prevent a series sweep on the road and end the incredible current Yankee run against their ballclub.

Parting Points: Poem of the day- “Miracles” by Walt Whitman

Ridiculous Robinson

The Yankees climbed back into the series win column by taking two of three from the hapless Orioles in Baltimore. Riveting Robinson Cano remained ridiculously red hot Thursday in going 3-for-4 at the plate, with a pair for homeruns. Cano also made a brilliant play at second base in the third inning. Right-handed ace, A.J. Burnett, needed little run support as he whipped through Baltimore with eight solid innings of scoreless ball. Burnett reduced the Orioles to three measly hits with his devastating curveball and mid-90’s heat as he shutout Baltimore 4-0. The Yankees head back to the Bronx after a 5-4 road trip and winners of six of their seven series to start the season. The loss dropped Baltimore to 4-18 on the year and 0-7 in series. The only win at Camden Yards for the Orioles was the opening game of the series against New York. Burnett improved to 5-0 at Camden Yards in his career, and an unblemished 3-0 for the season.
Derek Jeter singled to lead off the game for one of his two hits on the night. New York’s All-Star third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, lofted a first inning sacrifice fly off O’s rookie southpaw, Brian Matusz for the first of four Bomber tallies. One run ended up being sufficient for the controlled and consistent Burnett. The New York hurler provided scant scoring opportunities in a sizzling show. The only Baltimore batters to manage a hit off Burnett were Adam Jones, Ty Wigginton and Cesar Izturis. Matusz yielded three earned runs in an otherwise quality start. He allowed the leadoff man to reach base in four of his six innings pitched. Nolan Reimold was robbed of a base hit when Cano made a spectacular stop up the middle and threw across his body for the out at first. Cano doubled the Yankees’ lead with a solo shot in the fourth inning. The second baseman scored the third run in the sixth on Marcus Thames’ double. Thames, the DH, had three hits, a walk and an RBI in the win. Cano capped off his night with a blast off Baltimore lefty, Alberto Castillo, in the seventh. His eighth mash of the season gave him eight hits and three homers in the series. Cano, off to an incredibly fast start, leads the majors in batting average at .407. He hit an even .500 during the Yankees’ nine game road trip. The World Champs banged out eleven hits total. Mariano Rivera faced four batters to close out the ninth and seal the victory for Burnett. New York hosts the Chicago Whitesox tonight at the stadium to close out the month of April. Andy Pettitte takes the hill with a 3-0 record. The 37 year old lefty opposes 0-2 right-hander, Freddy Garcia.

Parting Points: Nothing to say except Happy Friday.