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.