Tagged: A Season Within A Season
All Is Perfect … New Baseball Season Opens
As the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox opened up the 2010 baseball season with a Sunday night game at Fenway Park, it didn’t quite feel like an “Opening Day” to me. In my view, the first game of any new season for all teams, should always be a gala, daytime, opening day affair.
But, after a very long winter, real baseball is finally back. And, it is always an extra special occasion when the Yankees play the Red Sox.
These two great rivals always provide playoff action on the field in every game they play — their own “Season Within A Season”, during each new baseball season !
“Game One” featured a battle of aces: Yankees starter, CC Sabathia vs. Josh Beckett for the Sox. But, both starters delivered sub-par performances that put this game in the hands of the bullpen from the fifth inning on.
Sabathia gave up five runs in five and a third innings pitched; while, Beckett also allowed five runs to score, in four and two-thirds innings on the mound.
This was a game that was played out in three parts.
The Yankees jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the second, on back-to-back homers by Jorge Posada, a line dive off the right field foul pole; and, a long shot by newcomer Curtis Granderson into the right-centerfield beachers.
Boston cut the lead in half in the bottom of the inning on a double by Kevin Youkilis, and a sac-fly to center by Red Sox newcomer Adrian Beltre.
The Yanks upped their lead to 5-1 by scoring three runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Robinson Cano led of the inning with a double off the left field wall, and advanced to third on a ground out to second base by Posada. After Granderson made the second out, Nick Swisher walked to set-up a first and third situation for Brett Gardner.
Gardner stroked a 3-2 pitch, RBI single to left, to score Cano, and increase the Bombers lead to 3-1. Derek Jeter then singled home Swisher with the Yanks fourth run of the game.
At this point, with Nick Johnson up at the plate, Gardner and Jeter successfully completed a double-steal, when Sox catcher Victor Martinez made a bad throw to second on the play [he should have held onto the ball], allowing Gardner to steal home, scoring the Yanks fifth run.
In the second part of this game the Red Sox battled back, scoring a run in the fifth to cut the lead to 5-2; then, tied the score 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth on a two RBI triple by Youkilis, and a RBI single by Beltre.
With the game now tied, the final act would result in the Yankees down-fall.
In the top of the seventh, the Yanks took the lead again, 7-5, on a lead-off walk to Mark Teixeira; a double by Alex Rodriguez; a fielders choice RBI grounder by Cano; and a RBI single by Posada (3-for-4).
But, the Yankees bullpen could not hold the score, as Dustin Pedroia blasted a two-run homer off reliever Chan Ho Park in the bottom of the seventh to tie the score 7-7. And, Kevin Youkilis (3-for-4, including, two doubles, a triple, three runs, and two RBI’s), scored the go-ahead run [which turned out to be the game-winning run], on a passed ball by Posada with Marte on the mound.
Boston added an insurance run in the eight on an RBI single by Pedroia (2-for-4, with two runs, and three RBI’s), to complete the scoring in this well-earned 9-7 victory by the Red Sox over the Yankees.
This was a very tough loss for the Yankees.
But, Baseball is back !!!
Now, that’s a victory for all of us.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
“A Season Within A Season”, 2009
* Updated: September 27, 2009 …
The New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox is the greatest “rivalry” in the history of baseball and all sports.
Every game that is played by these two great teams each year takes on a very unique meaning with a playoff atmosphere, and really becomes its own very special “season within a season” in the overall American League schedule each year.
This is the reason I coined the phrase “A Season Within A Season” for this great rivalry last year, and look to continue this special reflection on the Yankees vs. Red Sox games in 2009 and future seasons.
So, as a way of getting ready for the beginning of the games between both teams in 2009, the following is a listing of their scheduled games this upcoming year. I will offer my thoughts with updates, scores and highlights of each game throughout the year, and most importantly, look forward to all the comments, thoughts, and opinions of viewers of my mlblog.
My hope is, this ongoing season-long “post” will become a site where mlbloggers will visit throughout this season with their thoughts on each game, and any other comments or stories related to the great New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox rivalry.
Please let me know what think; and, also, feel free to offer any suggestions that you may have. Of course, I welcome all Yankee and Red Sox fans, as well as, all baseball fans, to visit any time to become a part of this great rivalry and tradition which is the most unique in baseball and all sports !!!
* Updated: Monday, August 24, 2009 … Check-out “post” below, and please offer any comments, thoughts, or observations that you may want to include in this “season-long” tribute in honor the great New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox rivalry …
Thank you, everybody, for all your visits !!!
“A Season Within A Season”, 2009 …
* Game # 1 — April 24, 2009 – Red Sox 5, Yankees 4, (11) – Fenway Park
* Game # 2 — April 25, 2009 – Red Sox 16, Yankees 11 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 3 — April 26, 2009 – Red Sox 4, Yankees 1 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 4 — May 4, 2009 – Red Sox 6, Yankees 4 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game # 5 — May 5, 2009 – Red Sox 7, Yankees 3 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game # 6 — June 9, 2009 – Red Sox 7, Yankees 0 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 7 — June 10, 2009 – Red Sox 6, Yankees 5 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 8 — June 11, 2009 – Red Sox 4, Yankees 3 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 9 – August 6, 2009 – Yankees 13, Red Sox 6 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #10 – August 7, 2009 – Yankees 2, Red Sox 0, (15) – Yankee Stadium
* Game #11 – August 8, 2009 – Yankees 5, Red Sox 0 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #12 – August 9, 2009 – Yankees 5, Red Sox 2 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #13 – August 21, 2009 – Yankees 20, Red Sox 11 (Fenway Park)
* Game #14 – August 22, 2009 – Red Sox 14, Yankees 1 (Fenway Park)
* Game #15 – August 23, 2009 – Yankees 8, Red Sox 4 (Fenway Park)
* Game #16 – September 25, 2009 – Yankees 9, Red Sox 5 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #17 – September 26, 2009 – Yankees 3, Red Sox 0 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #18 – September 27, 2009 – Yankees 4, Red Sox 2 (Yankee Stadium)
The 2009 Baseball Season is almost here …
But, let the discussion begin “now” about baseball’s greatest rivalry …
“New York Yankees” vs. “Boston Red Sox”
Everybody, have a great day !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
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* Game 1 — April 24, 2009 — Red Sox 5, Yankees 4 (11 innings)
With the Yankees leading 4-2 in the bottom of the 9th inning, with two outs, a runner on second base, Jason Bay the batter for the Red Sox, and Mariano Rivera on the mound — Mariano blew this save by serving up a long, hard hit, two-run homerun, to Bay, to straight away centerfield, that tied the score 4-4.
The game remained tied going into the bottom of the 11th inning with Damaso Marte pitching for the Yankees. After striking-out the first batter, David Ortiz, the next hitter, Kevin Youkilis blasted a long walk-off homerun over the “Green Monster” to give the Red Sox a very dramatic 5-4 victory.
The Yankees had many opportunities to score more runs in this game, including, in the top of the 9th inning, when the Yanks loaded the bases with no outs, but Robinson Cano hit into a 4-2-3 double play, and Melky Cabrera poped out to the catcher to end the rally and inning with the Yanks still leading 4-2 at the time.
For the Boston Red Sox, this was a very well deserved comeback victory.
For the New York Yankees, this was, to say the least, a very disappointing loss.
* To view boxscore, click on … Game 1 — Red Sox 5, Yankees 4
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* Game 2 — April 25, 2009 — Red Sox 16, Yankees 11
— To view boxscore, click on … Game 2 — Red Sox 16, Yankees 11
* Game 3 — April 26, 2009 — Red Sox 4, Yankees 1
— To view boxscore, click on … Game 3
* Game 4 — May 4, 2009 — Red Sox 6, Yankees 4
— To view boxscore, click on … Game 4
* Game 5 — May 5, 2009 — Red Sox 7, Yankees 3
— To view boxscore, click on … Game 5
The “Season Within A Season” 2009, continues with a three-game series at Fenway Park, starting on Tuesday June 9th.
As of June 9, 2009, the Yankees are in “First Place” in the AL East.
The AL East standings are as follows …
New York Yankees 34-23 .596 —
Boston Red Sox 33-24 .579 1.0
Toronto Blue Jays 33-27 .550 2.5
Tampa Bay Rays 29-30 .492 6.0
Baltimore Orioles 24-33 .421 10.0
“Go Yankees” !!!
* Game 6 — Tuesday, June 9, 2009 — Red Sox 7, Yankees 0
— Josh Beckett (7-2) was brilliant in his start for the Red Sox, in total control throughout his six innings on the mound, allowing zero runs, on only one hit and two waks, while striking out eight batters. The Boston bullpen closed out the Sox shutout victory.
— For the Yankees, their starter, A.J. Burnett (4-3) was “awful” !!! … A.J. allowed five runs (three earned), on five hits, five walks, and one strikeout in only 2.2 innings. A two-run homer by David Ortiz in Boston’s four run second inning was the turning point of the game, as the Red Sox easily coasted to their sixth straight win vs. the Yankees this year.
— To view boxscore, click on … Game 6
* Game 7 — Wednesday, June 10, 2009 — Red Sox 6, Yankees 5
— Chien-Ming Wang started for the Yankees, and was totally ineffective, allowing four runs, on six hits, [including a homerun], and three walks, in 2.2 innings pitched. Phil Hughes replaced Wang, and was also not effective, giving up two runs, on two hits, including a home run, two walks, and five strikeouts in 3.2 innings out of the bullpen.
— The Yankees had three homeruns in the game … Posada in the 2nd inning; and back-to-back homers by Damon and Teixeira in the top of the 7th; and, Tex was 4-for-5 including two doubles with his homer; but, this power was not enough for the Bronx Bombers, as the Red Sox held on for a solid 6-5 win. Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis homered for the Sox; and, Tim Wakefield (8-3) pitched six strong innings for the victory. This was Boston’s seventh straight win against the New York Yankees this year.
— To view the boxscore, click on … Game 7
** The win in Game 7 moved the Red Sox back into first place in the AL East, one game ahead of the Yankees, as of the morning of Thursday June 11, 2009.
** The final game of this three-game series at Fenway Park continues tonight, June 11th, with CC Sabathia (5-3, 3.56) on the mound for the Yankees vs. the Red Sox starter, Brad Penny (5-2, 5.85).
Enjoy the game, everybody !!!
* Game 8 — Thursday, June 11, 2009 — Red Sox 4, Yankees 3
— A VERY CRUSHING LOSS BY THE NEW YORK YANKEES !!! … [Enough said]
— The Yankees are now “0-8” against the Red Sox this year !!!
— To view boxscore, click on … Game 8
— Click on: Yanks 0-8 vs. Red Sox, Trying To Make Sense Of It All
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Updated: Thursday, July 9, 2009 …
The Yankees just completed a three-game sweep of the Twins in Minnesota with a 6-4 win in the final game of the series.
The Red Sox lost their game on this day, 8-6, to the K.C. Royals at Fenway Park.
This tied the Yankees and Red Sox for first place in the AL East !!!
AL EAST STANDINGS (at the end of baseball action on July 9, 2009) …
New York Yankees 51-34 .600 —
Boston Red Sox 51-34 .600 —
Tampa Bay Rays 47-39 .547 4.5
Toronto Blue Jays 43-44 .494 9.0
Baltimore Orioles 38-47 .447 13.0
At this point in the season, the Yankees headed to the West Coast to play a three-game weekend series against the L.A. Angels, July 10-11-12th.
The Red Sox were scheduled to play the second game of a four-game weekend series vs. the K.C. Royals, July 9-10-11-12th.
These two series would end the first half of the season for the Yanks and Red Sox; and, baseball’s annual All-Star break would take place during the upcoming week, with the All-Star Game scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2009 in St. Louis.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
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Updated: Friday, August 7, 2009 …
AL EAST STANDINGS – (at the start of baseball action, August 6, 2009)
New York Yankees 65-42 — .607
Boston Red Sox 62-44 2.5 .585
Tampa Bay Rays 60-48 5.5 .556
Toronto Blue Jays 51-56 14.0 .477
Baltimore 45-62 20.0 .421
BRONX, NEW YORK — August 6, 2009 — The center of the baseball world now shifts to the “Beautiful Bronx”, New York, for the start of a huge four-game weekend series between the first place New York Yankees and second place Boston Red Sox.
The Yankees are returning home from their just completed road trip that concluded with a two-game sweep of the Blue Jays 8-4 and 5-3, in Toronto.
The Red Sox travel into the Bronx from Florida, after being swept by the third place Tampa Bay Rays, 6-4 and 4-2 (13 innings), that dropped the Sox two and a half games behind the Yankees. The Rays remain five and a half games behind the Yanks.
So, let the “Season Within A Season” continue … Baseball’s greatest rivalry: the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox … as the Yankees look to get their first victory over the Red Sox this year after Boston has an 8-0 record up to this point of the 2009 season.
* Game 9 — Thursday, August 6, 2009 — Yankees 13, Red Sox 6
Well, one thing both Yankee and Red Sox fans can agree on about this contest, is: the pitching was awful by all pitchers who took the mound in this very important “must-win” game for the Yankees.
Boston starter, future Hall of Famer, John Smoltz, was hit very hard, lasting only 3.1 innings, while allowing eight runs; on nine hits, including two homeruns; four walks; and, three strikeouts. With this loss, Smoltz’s record is now 2-5 with a 8.32 ERA.
The Red Sox did stake Smoltz to a 3-1 lead as the game entered the bottom of the third, on an opposite field homer by Dustin Pedroia in the top of the second inning; and, after, Johnny Damon tied the score 1-1 with a homer in the bottom of the second, Boston newcomer, Casey Kotchman blasted a two-run homerun in the top of the third that increased the Sox lead to 3-1 at the time.
Then, the Bronx Bombers exploded in the bottom of the third inning, sending 13 batters up to the plate, in a 35-minute, eight hit, two walk, attack, that was highlighted by a three-run homer by Melky Cabrera that gave the Yanks a 5-3 lead; and, a three-run homer by Jorge Posada that capped the scoring during the Bombers eight-run spectacular display of power, putting this game out of reach for the Bosox, 9-3. [Robinson Cano and Hideki Matsui also had an RBI apiece in the middle of this rally].
In the meantime, Yankees starter, Joba Chamberlain, also did not pitch a good game, and was maybe one hit or walk away from being removed from the game before the fifth inning was completed.
With a 9-3 lead, Joba walked the bases loaded with one out in the top of the fifth before allowing a RBI single to Mike Lowell that cut the lead to 9-4. It was clear, Manager Joe Girardi was struggling with thoughts of taking Chamberlain out of this game at this point, thus eliminating Joba’s chance of getting the win if the Yanks held onto the lead.
But, Girardi showed confidence in his young starter, and Joba, to his credit, delivered the goods, striking out the next two batters, Kotchman and Green, to end the Boston rally and keep the score at 9-4 in favor of the Bombers.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Yankees increased their lead to 11-4 on a two RBI double by Hideki Matsui, but Joba Chamberlain’s night was finished.
Maybe, because Joba had an extra two days off [seven days rest instead of five days] since his last start, [and, this could become a major concern as the season continues and the Yankees braintrust stays firm with their plan to limit Joba’s pitches and innings], this affected his performance on the mound tonight as he just did not have full command and control of his pitches. Joba was wild in each of the five innings he threw in this game.
Overall, Joba’s performance was the exact opposite of his fine 3-0 record since this year’s All-Star break. In five innings of work, Chamberlain threw 108 pitches, and allowed four runs; on six hits, including two homers; “seven” walks; and, five strikeouts.
Even though Joba struggled in this game, he stranded two Boston runners in each of the first and second innings without allowing a run to score; got out of the third with an inning-ending double play after giving up the Pedroia homerun; and, left the bases loaded in the fifth, ending the inning with two big strikeouts, to hold the score at 9-4 before his departure.
It was not one of Joba Chamberlain’s best efforts, by far. But, all great pitches have to battle at times when they do not have their best stuff. And to his credit, in my view, Joba Chamberlain (8-2) battled on the mound tonight, and at least earned the win by lasting five innings without any further damage against a great team. Of course, the Yankees hitting was the main reason the Bombers won this game.
The Yankees scored their final two runs on a RBI single by Derek Jeter in the sixth inning; and, Mark Teixeira’s 28th homerun in the bottom of the seventh, that increased the Bombers lead to 13-4.
Boston scored two runs in the top of the ninth, on two hits and two walks, off rookie reliever Anthony Claggett who was just recalled from (AAA) – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, completing the scoring in the Yankees 13-6 victory.
Yankee batters pounded out 18 hits, including three hits each by: Damon, Teixeira, and Posada. For the Red Sox, Pedroia had three of Boston’s eight total hits.
And, Yankee pitchers walked 12 batters, and Red Sox pitchers walked six batters, for a total of 18 base-on-balls allowed in this three-hour, fifty-two minute game before a sold-out crowd of 49,005 at the new Yankee Stadium.
Before the game, the Yankees honored Muhammad Ali … but, it was very sad that Yankees owner, George M. Steinbrenner, III was not able to attend this game and four-game series as he had planned on doing.
The “Boss” visited the Yankees team during their just completed two-game series against the Rays in Tampa Bay which greatly energized and inspired the Yankees players and coaching staff. But, because of health reasons, Mr. Steinbrenner cannot make the trip to the Bronx, and will follow this “key” series from his home in Tampa Bay, Florida.
We all wish George Steinbrenner well, and hope he will be healthy enough to attend post-season games this year, if “his” New York Yankees continue to play as well as they are playing now, and go onto the playoffs and World Series in route to their 27th World Championship.
At this point in the season, 1-8 vs. the Red Sox looks a lot better than 0-8 or 0-9 for the Yankees.
But, what looks even better, is the Yankees 66-42 record in first place, at the top of the AL East, three and a half games ahead of the second place Red Sox who now have a record of 62-45.
To view boxscore, click on: Game 9 — Yankees 13, Red Sox 6
AL EAST STANDINGS — Morning of Friday, August 7, 2009 …
Yankees 66-42 .611 —
Red Sox 62-45 .579 3.5
Rays 60-48 .556 6.0
Blue Jays 51-56 .477 14.5
Orioles 45-63 .417 21.0
— Jimmy 27NYY Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
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* Game 10 — Friday, August, 7, 2009 — Yankees 2, Red Sox 0 (15 innings)
“A Classic Game For The Ages” …
Click on my post: “A Classic For The Ages In The Bronx” for my account of this great game.
Boxscore, click on: Yankees 2, Red Sox 0 (15 innings) — “An All-Time Classic”
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
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* Game 11 — Saturday, August 8, 2009 — Yankees 5, Red Sox 0
Yankees starter CC Sabathia pitched an outstanding game, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning which was broken-up on a two-out single by Jacoby Ellsbury.
Mark Teixeira stroked a RBI single in the bottom of the third, that plated Melky Cabrera, who led off the inning with a single, giving the Yanks an early 1-0 lead.
The Bombers then scored a run in the sixth on a sac-fly by Jose Molina; and, a run in the seventh on a bases loaded walk to Nick Swisher that increased the lead to 3-0.
Boston starting pitcher Clay Buchholtz (L,1-2), pitched a very good game, tossing 105 pitches over six innings of work, allowing two runs, on six hits, five walks, and three strikeouts.
Buchholtz was replaced by Ramirez who gave up the Yankees run in the seventh.
In the meantime, CC Sabathia was working on a two-hit shutout through seven and two-thirds innings, when Joe Girardi replaced CC with Phil Hughes who retired the final batter in the eight that held the score at 3-0.
Sabathia had thrown 123 pitches up to this point in the game, and if I was manager, I would have let CC stay in the game to pursue the complete game shutout. But, oh, those annoying “pitch-counts” and “innings-limitations”.
CC Sabathia (W,12-7), ended up pitching seven and two-thirds innings, while allowing no runs, on two hits, two walks, and striking out nine. A truly great performance.
The Yankees completed the scoring in this game on a two-run homer by Derek Jeter (#12), off Enrique Gonzalez in the bottom of the eight, that moved the Yanks into a 5-0 lead.
David Robertson replaced Hughes and closed out this 5-0 Yankees victory with a scoreless ninth inning after allowing two hits.
With the back-to-back shutouts, 2-0, (15 innings), and 5-0, the Yankees pitching staff has now held the Red Sox batters scoreless over the last 24 innings.
The Yanks have now won the first three games in this very imortant four-game series, and go for the “sweep” in the final game on Sunday night, August 9th.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 5, Red Sox 0
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
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Updated: Monday, August 10, 2009 …
* Game 12 — Sunday, August 9, 2009 — Yankees 5, Red Sox 2
With this 5-2 victory, the New York Yankees “swept” the four-game weekend series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, in the Beautiful Bronx, New York !!!!
This game featured another pitcher’s duel as Andy Pettitte of the Yankees battled Jon Lester of the Red Sox, zero for zero, inning by inning, into the bottom of the seventh when Alex Rodriguez broke the deadlock by blasting a solo homerun (#21), that gave the Bronx Bombers a 1-0 lead. This was A-Rod’s second big homer of this series …
Of course, the first dramatic homer was a two-run shot into the Red Sox bullpen in leftfield, in the bottom of the 15th inning of the “classic” 0-0 pitcher’s duel in the second game of this series. Rodriguez’s two-out, walk-off, two-run homer, drove home Derek Jeter, who led off the inning with a single, ahead of A-Rod’s game-winning homer that gave the Yankees a 2-0 victory in one of the “greatest games ever played”, and certainly, one of the most “exciting gamers I have ever seen”.
Both managers decided to go to the bullpen after the seventh inning of the final game, dictated, once again, by the dreaded “pitch count” totals of “both” starting pitchers who were “brilliant” in this playoff-like game.
Jon Lester threw a strong 107 pitches over seven innings of work, allowing one run, on the A-Rod homer; five hits; no walks, while striking out seven.
Yankees starter, Andy Pettitte, was solid in his seven shutout innings on the mound, giving up five hits, two walks, and striking out four batters.
In a puzzling move, in my view, Yankees manager Joe Girardi replaced Pettitte with Phil Coke at the start of the eight inning. Why take Andy Pettitte out of this game when he is pitching so well? And, if Girardi was so intent on going to the bullpen, why didn’t he bring in Phil Hughes?
Now, after the game Girardi gave is reasons for this move, saying he did not want to use Hughes in three straight games. Phil Hughes pitched to only one batter in each of the last two games, so how tired or over-worked could he be?
But, the real question, in my opinion, is: Why was CC Sabathia removed with two outs in the eight inning, and replaced by Phil Hughes, while pitching a shutout over seven and two thirds innings in his brilliant start in the third game of this series? Certainly, CC should have been allowed to complete the eight inning, even though he had already thrown 123 pitches. Then, if Girardi still wanted to bring in David Robertson in the ninth inning, which “was” the move that he made in that game — it would have at least saved Hughes from taking the mound in Game Three, thus saving him for the final game in this series on Sunday night.
But, as it turned out, it was already decided by Girardi before the game that Phil Hughes would not pitch in the final game. And, Alfredo Aceves was also not available because of back problems. So, Phil Coke got the call, when I think the obvious decision would have been to just let Andy Pettitte stay in the game for at least one more inning, the eight, and, then, go to Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning.
Coke struck out the first batter, Jacoby Ellsbury. Then, Dustin Pedroia stroked a single, and newly acquired Victor Martinez blasted a long two-run homer that ended the Yankees 31 consecutive scoreless innings against the Sox in this series, and shocked the sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd as the the Red Sox took a 2-1 lead.
After, Kevin Youkilis singled for the Sox third straight hit, Coke did prevent further damage by getting Jason Bay to ground into a 6-4-3 double play that ended the inning. This was the first game of the series that the injured Bay played, and that was good news for the Yankees as Jason Bay hit really well against the Yanks in previous games this year.
Red Sox 2, Yankees 1, as the game entered the bottom of the eight inning.
Boston manager Terry Francona made the call to the bullpen, replacing Jon Lester after 107 pitches thrown, with hard-throwing rookie reliever Daniel Bard.
Bard retired pinch-hitter Hideki Matsui and Derek Jeter for a quick two outs.
Johnny Damon was the next batter up, and “BAM” !!! Damon unloaded his 21st homer, a crushing shot over the wall in right-centerfield to tie this very exciting game 2-2.
The Yankee Stadium crowd was rocking like it was an October post-season big-game event; and, then, when Mark Teixeira lofted a high arching Ruthian blast into the beautiful night air of the new ballpark in the Bronx, that landed into the second deck of the short rightfield porch for a homerun that moved the Bombers into the 3-2 lead, it felt as if the Yankees had just won another World Series, as this August evening was transformed into another “classic game”, a percursor, maybe, to many more classic moments in this year’s “Fall Classic”.
The go-ahead homer by Tex was his league leading 29th of the season, and, also, the sixth time that both he and Damon hit back-to-back homers in a game this year, a new all-time Yankee record for back-to-back homeruns by the same two players in a Yankee lineup.
Just think about that for a moment …
Of all the great Yankee players that hit back-to-back in the same lineup, including: Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig; Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig; Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra; Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris; Thurman Munson and Bobby Murcer; Chris Chambliss and Reggie Jackson; Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield; and, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez, to name a few combinations — it is now Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira who hold this very extraordinary Yankee record. A very fine performance and special record, indeed.
After the game, Mark Teixeira said about his homer, this was the closest you can get to a walk-off, game-winning homer during the game. And, when Teixeira hit the ball, he held his bat up in the air when he was running to first base, as if to point the homerun ball into the seats.
But, it was still the eight inning, and the Yankees were not done yet with this late-inning rally.
A-Rod walked, and Francona replaced Daniel Bard (L,0-1) with Hideki Okajima.
Okajima promptly gave-up a double to Jorge Posada, and a two-RBI single to Nick Swisher that capped-off the scoring in the Bombers four-run outburst that increased their lead to 5-2.
Mariano Rivera closed out this come-from-behind 5-2 victory by pitching a scoreless ninth inning, recording his 32th save.
Phil Coke (4-3) who blew the lead in this game, was credited with the win, but certainly, did nothing to earn this win. But, as I stated above, in my view, Coke should not have been brought into this game.
Bullpen management, and stretching out the innings of the starters by the Yankees braintrust will be “crucial” to the New York Yankees success the rest of the way on their journey to their 27th World Championship.
It’s time to eliminate “pitch-counts” and “innings limitations” on the Yankees pitching staff.
But, on this August weekend, the New York Yankees delivered an awesome performance sweeping four games over the second place Boston Red Sox that showed at this point in the season the Yankees are the best team in the AL East.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees Sweep Red Sox With 5-2 Win
AMERICAN LEAGUE STANDINGS – (Monday, Morning, August, 10, 2009) …
AL EAST
New York Yankees 69-42 .622 —
Boston Red Sox 62-48 .564 6.5 (tied with Texas – wild card)
Tampa Bay Rays 61-50 .550 8.0
Toronto Blue Jays 53-57 .482 15.5
Baltimore Orioles 46-65 .414 23.0
AL WEST
L.A. Angels 65-44 .596 —
Texas Rangers 62-48 .564 3.5 (tied with Boston – wild card)
Seattle Mariners 58-53 .523 8.0
Oakland A’s 49-62 .441 17.0
AL CENTRAL
Detroit Tigers 59-51 .536 —
Chicago White Sox 57-55 .509 3.0
Minnesota Twins 54-57 .486 5.5
Cleveland Indians 48-63 .432 11.5
Kansas City Royals 43-68 .387 16.5
Everybody, have a great day !!!
Thanks for all your visits and excellent comments and thoughts !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
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Updated: Friday, August 21, 2009
The first place New York Yankees (76-45) continue their 10 game road trip with a big three-game series against the second place Boston Red Sox (69-51) at Fenway Park.
So far the Bronx Bombers have a record of (5-2) on this trip after winning three of four games vs. the Seattle Mariners, and two of three games against the Oakland A’s.
Friday, August 21, 2009 …
* Game 13 — “A Season Within A Season” — Yankees 20, Red Sox 11
To view boxscore, click on: Yanks Out-Slug Red Sox, 20-11
To read my “post” on my blog about this game, click on …
“Yankees Blast Red Sox in a 20-11 Rout”
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
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Updated: Sunday, August 23, 2009 …
* Game 14 — Saturday, August 22, 2009 — Red Sox 14, Yankees 1
The New York Yankees pitching was terrible in this game, as the Boston Red Sox lit up Yankees starter A.J. Burnett (10-7), to the tune of nine runs; on nine hits, including three homers and three doubles, and two walks, during Burnett’s 97 pitch, five innings of work.
The Sox took an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a two RBI double by David Ortiz, and a RBI single by Jason Bay. Then, Boston put this game out of reach for the Yanks with a four run outburst in the second when Alex Gonzalez hit a solo homer (#1) to up the score to 4-0; and, after walks to Dustin Pedroia and Victor Martinez, a three-homer by Kevin Youkilis (#21) increased the Red Sox lead to 7-0.
In the fifth inning, Boston completed their bashing of A.J. Burnett on a two-out homer by Ortiz (#20), which was followed by back to back doubles by Bay and J.D. Drew that upped Boston’s lead to 9-0.
The Yankees bullpen was just as ineffective as the awful performance turned in by Burnett, as Alfredo Aceves allowed three runs in the sixth on a two-out double by Pedroia; a RBI single by Martinez; and, Kevin Youkilis’ second homer (#22) of the game, a two-run blast that further embarrassed the Yanks 12-0.
In the meantime, Boston starter Junichi Tazawa (2-2), pitched a very good game, throwing six strong shutout innings, allowing eight hits and two walks while striking out two. This was a great comeback effort for Tazawa, who in his last appearance against the Yankees, [his first time on the mound in the Major Leagues], he gave up the game winning, walk-off, two run homer to Alex Rodriguez in the bottom of the 15th inning of that classic pitcher’s duel, on August 7, 2009, at Yankee Stadium, which the Yankees won 2-0.
Nick Swisher broke up the Red Sox shutout with a solo homer (#21) off reliever Daniel Bard that made the score 12-1 at the time.
David Robertson replaced Aceves at the start of the eight inning, and once again, Boston scored more runs [after two outs]. Pedroia, Casey Kotchman, and Youkilis hit three straight doubles that completed the scoring in this 14-1 Red Sox victory.
A major key to the Boston Red Sox win in this game was the fact that they scored 13 of their 14 runs after two outs in the individual innings that they scored.
This was a very embarrassing loss for the New York Yankees in the middle game of this very important three-game series at Fenway Park, a game that was broadcast on FOX’s Saturday Baseball Game Of The Week.
To view boxscore, click on: Red Sox 14, Yankees 1
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
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Updated: Monday, August 24, 2009 …
* Game 15 — Sunday, August 23, 2009 — Yankees 8, Red Sox 4
Sabathia Out-Lasts Beckett for 15th win; Yanks Beat Sox, 8-4 …
The New York Yankees got right back on the winning track with a big 8-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox in the rubber game of their three-game showdown at Fenway Park on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball Game of the Week.
With this victory, the first place Yankees (78-46) increased their lead to seven and a half games over the second place Red Sox (70-53) in the AL East.
Also, after starting off this season 0-8 vs. the Red Sox, the Yankees have now narrowed the gap to 6-9 in the 2009 version of “A Season Within A Season”.
The Yankees have a chance to tie the season series 9-9, when they play the Red Sox three more games this season, September 25-26-27th at Yankee Stadium.
The story of this game was the five homers that the Yankees hit off Boston starter Josh Beckett (14-5), who threw 120 pitches over eight disappointing [for Red Sox fans] innings; while allowing eight runs; on nine hits; no walks; and five strikeouts.
Derek Jeter led off the game by hitting the first pitch over the right centerfield fence for his 16th home run of the year, and quick 1-0 Yankees lead.
Hideki Matsui followed “The Captain’s” lead by also hitting a first pitch homer (#22), into the right field bleachers, in the top of the second inning, that increased the Bronx Bombers lead to 2-0.
After Boston tied the score 2-2 in the bottom of the second, the Yankees upped their lead to 4-2 on a Mark Teixeira RBI single, and RBI ground out by Alex Rodrigiuez in the top of the third.
Robinson Cano crushed his 19th homer of the year, in the fourth, [the Yanks third homer in this game], that kept the pressure on Beckett and the Sox as the Yanks moved ahead by 5-2 in the game.
Boston scored again in the bottom of the fourth inning to cut the Yankees lead to 5-3.
Then, in the top of the fifth, with Damon on first base, and two outs, Alex Rodriguez stroked a solid line drive that just cleared the top of the Green Monster into the seats on top of the wall for his 22nd homer that increased the Bombers lead to 7-3.
The Red Sox cut the lead to 7-4 in the bottom of the sixth, before Hideki Matsui capped the scoring by hitting his second homer (#23) of the game, in the top of the eight, the Yanks fifth homer of the game off Josh Beckett, for the 8-4 lead.
CC Sabathia (15-7), pitched a solid game, not his best, but good enough to earn the victory.
CC lasted 6.2 innings, tossing 118 pitches, while giving up four runs (three earned); on eight hits; no walks; and eight strikeouts. Also, this win elevates CC Sabathia into the American League Cy Young Award conversation. And, in my view, I would suggest that Mariano Rivera should also be included in the Cy Young Award discussion.
Phil Hughes replaced CC in this game and built a strong “Bridge to Mariano” holding the Yankees 8-4 lead as the game entered the bottom of the ninth inning.
It was not a save situation, but Mariano Rivera closed out this very important 8-4 Yankees victory over the Red Sox, by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
The Yankees are now 27-9 since the All-Star break, winning 10 of the 11 series’ since the mid-summer All-Star Game, including six straight winning series.
The 2009 season now continues with the New York Yankees in first place in the AL East, seven and a half games over the second place Boston Red Sox.
And, the Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry continues …
At Yankee Stadium during the weekend of September 25-26-27, 2009.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 8, Red Sox 4
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
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Game 16 — Yankees 9, Red Sox 5 — Boxscore: Game 16
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Game 17 — Yankees 3, Red Sox 0 — Boxscore: Game 17
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Game 18 — Yankees 4, Red Sox 2 — Boxscore: Game 18
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Yankees Blast Red Sox in a 20-11 Rout …
If the New York Yankees were trying to make a major statement to the Boston Red Sox, and the rest of the teams in baseball, well, last night’s 20-11 drubbing of the Sox in their own building certainly underlined any message the Bronx Bombers had in mind of sending.
The Yankees came out swinging scoring two runs in the top of the first off Boston starter Brad Penny on a lead off double by the “red hot” Derek Jeter, a walk to Mark Teixeira, a single by Alex Rodriguez, and a two-out, two RBI single by Jorge Posada that gave the Bombers a quick 2-0 lead.
Then, after the Red Sox cut the lead in half in the bottom of the first on a sac fly by Victor Martinez that scored Jacoby Ellsbury, the Yanks continued the onslaught in the second scoring four more runs that upped their lead to 6-1.
The Yankees did their damage in the second on one-out singles by Melky Cabrera and Jeter; a RBI double by Eric Hinske — who replaced Johnny Damon after he bruised his right leg on a foul ball in the first — that drove home Melky; a two RBI double by Mark Teixeira, that plated Jeter and Hinske; and, a RBI single by Alex Rodriguez, who was out at second trying to stretch the hit into a double.
The score remained the same until the top of the fifth when the Yankees really put this contest out of reach, batting around in the inning sending 12 men up to the plate
Teixeira and A-Rod singled at the start of the fifth, which knocked Penny out of the game. Then, both runners traveled home on a three-run homer by Hideki Matsui (#20) off reliever Michael Bowden that increased the Bombers lead to 9-1.
Bowden was just as ineffective as Penny, walking the next batter Posada after the Matsui homer, and then giving up a RBI double to Robinson Cano before recording the first out on ground ball by Nick Swisher.
Then, Melky singled home Cano to make the score 11-1.
After Jeter was the second out on a force play, Bowden walked Hinske, who scored on RBI single by Teixeira that finished the scoring in this six-run inning, and gave the Yanks a very comfortable 12-1 lead, at the time.
The numbers by Brad Penny (L,7-8) were awful. He threw 89 pitches in four innings on the mound in this big game, and allowed eight runs, on ten hits, one walk, and four strikeouts, increasing his ERA to 5.61.
In the meantime, Andy Pettitte was pitching a good game through the first four innings, but maybe because he was sitting on bench for about a half hour during the Yankees six-run, fifth inning rally, this caused him to have some trouble when he took the mound again in the bottom of the fifth.
Boston scored three runs in the fifth, on a two RBI single by Ellsbury, that plated Mike Lowell and J.D.Drew; and, a RBI double by Dustin Pedroia that scored Ellsbury and cut the Yankees lead to 12-4.
The Yankees continued to pound out the hits scoring three more runs in the top of the sixth, on a RBI double by Cabrera, and a two RBI single by Jeter that gave them a 15-4 lead.
After getting through the fifth inning, Pettitte returned to the mound to start the bottom of the sixth, lasting three batters, Casy Kotchman who reached on a Cano error; a single by Nick Green; and a RBI single by David Ortiz, before being replaced by Brian Bruney with the score now 15-5.
Bruney gave up a single to the first batter he faced, Mike Lowell, on a ball that should have been caught but dropped in between Cabrera in center and Hinske in left to load the bases with no outs. Baldelli was up next and walked to force home another run that made the score 15-6.
There still were no outs, and the Red Sox had a chance to get right back into this game. But, Alex Gonzalez hit into a 4-6-3 double play, that also scored Ortiz from third with the Sox seventh run. Bruney then retired Ellsbury for the final out holding the score at 15-7.
This completed the pitching stats for Andy Pettitte (W,10-6), and they are not pretty. Andy threw 104 pitches over five innings of work, while allowing seven runs (five earned); on seven hits; two walks; and, four strikeouts.
Michael Bowden was also finished after two innings of relief in this game, and to say the least, the Yankee batters really lit him up for seven runs, on eight hits, three walks, and no strikeouts.
Delcarmen was now on the mound for the Sox in the seventh, and the Yankees scored their 16th run on a triple by A-Rod (4-for-4); and, a RBI grounder to first by Matsui.
Brian Bruney was still on the mound for the Yanks in the bottom of the seventh, and after getting the first out, promptly loaded the bases on two walks and a hit by pitch. Not what the Yankees needed at this point in the game from their bullpen.
So, Damaso Marte, just activated from the disabled list, was called into the game to end this possible Red Sox rally. And, he did his job, retiring Ortiz on a fly out; and, Lowell on a strikeout to keep the score at 16-7.
The Yankees capped their scoring in the ninth, on a three-run homer by Hideki Matsui (#21), his second home run of the game, giving him seven RBI’s on the night; and, a RBI double by Swisher off reliever Ramirez, that gave the Bronx Bombers a 20-7 lead.
But, the scoring was not over, just yet, in this game.
Sergio Mitre pitched a scoreless eight inning for the Yankees, and returned to the mound to pitch the bottom of the ninth.
It is ironic that Mitre was now called on to close out this game because originally he was scheduled to make the start in this important first game of this three-game series. But, Joe Girardi moved the rotaton around so that Pettitte could be the starter, and, all I can say, it was a wise move that may have saved this win for the Yankees, even with the 20 runs and 23 hits the Yanks pounded out.
Sergio Mitre had a disastrous ninth inning, allowing a one-out solo homer to Jason Varitek (#14); a single to Kotchman; a RBI double to Ortiz; a two-out homer to Mike Lowell (#15); and, hit by pitch, before retiring Alex Gonzalez on a force play for the final out of the game that framed the Yankees 20-11 victory.
This was a big win for the Yankees [really, all wins are big], that improved their record to 77-45, seven and a half games ahead of the second place Boston Red Sox (69-52).
Just another game in this great rivalry, as the Yankees have gone from 0-8 vs. the Red Sox, in the first half of the season, to winning the last five games in a row to cut Boston’s lead to 8-5 in this year’s version of “A Season Within A Season”.
The greatest rivalry in baseball and all sports, the “Yankees vs. Red Sox” continues …
To view the boxscore, click on: Yankees 20, Red Sox 11
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
First Place Yankees Still On Winning Path
After being shutout 3-0 in the first game against the Oakland A’s, the NY Yankees quickly returned to the winning track by taking the next two games, 7-2 and 3-2, that increased their record to 5-2 on this current ten-game road trip which now leads the Bronx Bombers into Boston for a three-game weekend showdown vs. the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
The Yankees (76-45) lead the second place Red Sox (69-51) by six and a half games in the AL East.
In the middle game vs. the Oakland A’s, CC Sabathia (14-7), delivered another fine performance on the mound for the Yanks, throwing 94 pitches over eight solid innings, while allowing two runs, both on solo homers; five hits; one walk; and seven strikeouts in route to his 14th win this season. As the regular season starts to wind down, Sabathia is more and more in the American League Cy Young Award conversation.
Sabathia gave up a solo homer to Kurt Suzuki (#10) in the first inning, and another solo homer to Tommy Everidge (#2) in the second inning; and, the Yankees scored a run on an error in the second, and a run in the third on a RBI double by Jorge Posada that tied the score 2-2 at the time.
A’s starter Vin Mazzaro lasted five good innings, giving up the two runs (one earned), on seven hits, three walks, and two strikeouts.
Then, the Yankees blew this game wide open with a big five-run sixth inning off A’s relievers Jay Marshall (L,0-1), and Santiago Casilla, that capped the scoring in this game.
The Yankees rally in the top of the sixth started with a one-out double by Nick Swisher who advanced to third on a passed ball. Melky Cabrera was then hit by a pitch, and Derek Jeter (3-for-5), hit a RBI single that scored Swisher that moved the Yanks into a 3-2 lead.
Johnny Damon was up next and stroked a RBI double that drove home Melky with the Yankees fourth run. This set-up a second and third situation for Mark Teixeira who was intentionally walked to load the bases. Alex Rodriguez was the next hitter, and A-Rod also walked that forced home the fifth Yankees run.
Hideki Matsui then singled to score another run; and, Poasda hit a sac fly that drove home the seventh and final Yankee run of their 7-2 victory.
CC Sabathia tossed only 94 pitches through eight innings, and this would have been a perfect opportunity to let CC go for the complete game win and give the bullpen a full day of rest. But, Joe Girardi stayed true to form with the whole “pitch count” philosophy that is now in-vogue and brought David Robertson into pitch the ninth.
Robertson did close out the game, though, after walking two batters, and striking out two. But, in the middle of the inning Mariano Rivera was stirring around in the Yankees bullpen, in a game that CC could have easily completed with no relievers having to warm-up. Anyway, just my view of certain pitching strategies involving the starters and bullpen.
This win over the A’s was a very solid 7-2 Yankees victory.
In the final game of this three-game series, Mark Teixeira provided the Yankees with all the runs they would need in their 3-2 victory.
Teixeira drove home Derek Jeter on a RBI ground-out, after Jeter led off the game with a single, stole second, and advanced to third on a grounder, in the top of the first inning; and, then, after Johnny Damon led off the fourth inning with a single, Teixeira blasted a two-run homer (#31), off A’s starter Brett Anderson, that gave the Bombers a 3-0 lead at the time.
The Yankees received an excellent effort from Chad Gaudin who made his first start for the Yanks in this game.
Gaudin lasted 4.1 innings, giving up only one hit, while walking five and striking out five. But, it was in the fourth that Gaudin had some trouble when he loaded the bases on two walks and an error by Robinson Cano.
The Cano error really hurt Gaudin’s chances of pitching the full five innings required for the starter to get a possible win in this game. The error occurred when Jeter fielded a grounder at short and then on the short throw to second for a force, the ball was tossed slightly behind Cano who could not make the catch as the ball deflected off his glove. It was a ball that looked like Cano should have caught.
Anyway, with one out and the bases loaded, Girardi made the right move, in my view, and replaced Gaudin with Alfredo Aceves.
Aceves got out of the jam by getting Kurt Suzuki to hit an easy grounder to the mound, in which Aceves started a 1-2-3 double play that ended the A’s threat.
Alfredo Aceves (8-1), allowed both A’s runs on a solo homer by Jack Cust (#17) in the sixth inning; and, a run in the seventh that was built on a Rajai Davis single, who then stole second base, and scored on a RBI single by Mark Ellis that cut the Yanks lead to 3-2.
But, after Aceves finished his 2.1 innings of work, Phil Coke and Phil Hughes paved a solid bridge to Mariano who closed out this 3-2 Yankees victory with a scoreless ninth inning, recording his 36th save.
Now, the Yankees travel to Boston for another huge three-game weekend series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park [August 21-22-23, 2009].
More “Playoff Baseball In August” in the great Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry.
“A Season Within A Season” continues …
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Playoff Baseball In August …
Well, the first part of the big playoff week in August is now in the books.
The New York Yankees traveled up to Toronto for a two-game series, and swept the Blue Jays 5-3 and 8-4 … while, the Boston Red Sox played a two-game series in Tampa Bay, and were swept by the Rays, 4-2 and 6-4.
Both wins were big for the Yankees, especially the first game against All-Star starter Roy “Doc” Halladay, in which the Bronx Bombers blasted three homers off the good doctor that led to a very important victory. The home runs were hit by Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira, and Hideki Matsui. A shaky save by Mariano Rivera sealed the deal, preserving the Yankees victory.
In the second game against the Blue Jays, Sergio Mitre started for the Yanks and did not last a full five innings, pitching only 4.1 innings while allowing three runs; on eight hits, including a homerun; two walks; and, three strikeouts. Alfredo Aceves replaced Mirte, and was credited with the win. Aceves record is now 7-1.
In my view, I think it is time to end the Sergio Mitre experiminent as the Yankees fifth starter. The Yankees are in a pennant race, and if the budget will not allow the addition of a quality starting pitcher, then the perfect pitcher for that spot in the rotation is Alfredo Aceves.
The big inning for the Yankees was in the 7th, when Nick Swisher tied the score 3-3 with his 18th homer of the year. Then, RBI base hits by Matsui, Damon, and Teixeira capped off the four-run rally, moving the Yankees into the 6-3 lead.
Johnny Damon completed the scoring with his 19th home run of the season in the ninth inning, framing the Yankees 8-4 victory.
The Red Sox lost two big games to the Rays in Florida, the first an exciting 13 inning contest in which the Rays tied the game 2-2 on an Evan Longoria homer in the eight inning; and, won the extra innings affair 4-2 on a two out, walk-off, two-run homer by Longoria in the bottom of the 13th.
The Rays won the second game of the series, 6-4, to move the numbers around again in the AL East standings, and drop the Bosox to two and a half games behind the first place New York Yankees. Tampa Bay remains in third place, five and a half games back of the Bombers.
Now the center of the “baseball world” moves to the Beautiful Bronx, New York, this weekend, to continue the great Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry.
Of all the playoff and World Series games that have been played in October, a four-game series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in any month is just as exciting and important as any game in the Fall … especially, when first place is on the line.
So, let the baseball action begin, and the great Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry continue.
“A Season Within A Season”
photo credits:
google images
cache .daylife .com
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Yanks 0-8 vs. Red Sox, Trying To Make Sense Of It All
Yankees 0-8 vs. the Red Sox [so far] this season
June 12, 2009
Game 1 — Red Sox 5, Yankees 4
Game 2 — Red Sox 16, Yankees 11
Game 3 — Red Sox 4, Yankees 1
Game 4 — Red Sox 6, Yankees 4
Game 5 — Red Sox 7, Yankees 3
Game 6 — Red Sox 7, Yankees 0
Game 7 — Red Sox 6, Yankees 5
Game 8 — Red Sox 4, Yankees 3
How do the New York Yankees unravel this puzzle ?
Photo Credits:
Google Images
The Jam Factory – Oxford, England
Artist: Lisa “Miss Doubleyou” Whitehead
— Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Yankees Head Into Boston In First Place In AL East
Four Yankee homeruns.
A great pitching effort by Yankees starter Andy Pettitte.
Solid performances by three relievers out of the Yankees bullpen, including a save by Mariano Rivera.
All add up to a 5-3 New York Yankees win over the Tampa Bay Rays, last night, at the new Yankee Stadium in the beautiful Bronx.
Oh, yeah, the victory also increased the Yankees lead to one full game over the second place Boston Red Sox in the AL East.
So, as of June 9, 2009, the standings in the AL East are as follows …
Yankees 34-23 .596 —
Red Sox 33-24 .579 1.0
Blue Jays 33-27 .550 2.5
Rays 29-33 .492 6.0
Orioles 24-33 .421 10.0
The Yankees now travel up to Boston to play the Red Sox in a very important three-game series at Fenway Park with “first place” on the line in the AL East.
Boston has won the first “five” games of the 2009 version of the Yankees vs. Red Sox “Season Within A Season” series; but, the Yankees hope to open up their lead in the AL East to “four” games with a sweep of the rival Sox.
Playoff baseball in June. It doesn’t get much better then that.
The Bronx Bombers are playing much better “ball” then the last time they played the Red Sox, and look to continue their solid play on the field at Fenway.
Homeruns by Mark Teixeira (#18 in the 1st); Nick Swisher (#12, two-run HR in the 2nd); Johnny Damon (#12 in the 6th); and, Derek Jeter (#8 in th 8th), accounted for all five Yankee runs, which was all the support Andy Pettitte needed to record his 6th win of the year.
The Yankees have now hit 92 total homeruns in the 57 games they played this year; and, with the four Yankee HR’s and one Rays homer hit in the game, there have now been a total of 105 homeruns hit in the 29 games at the new Yankee Stadium, so far.
Yes, the baseballs continue to travel far into the seats, soaring through the air, powered by the new “launching pad” at the new Stadium in the Bronx.
Pettitte (6-2) threw a solid six innings, allowing three runs (two earned); on five hits; three walks; and seven strikeouts.
The only trouble Andy had was in the top of the 4th inning, when the Rays tied the score 3-3 on a RBI single by Michel Hernandez that plated Ben Zobrist, who reached first on an Alex Rodriguez error; and, a two-run homer by Gabe Kapler.
Andy Sonnanstine (4-6) started for the Rays, and allowed all five Yankee runs in his seven innings of work, on six hits (including the four homers), two walks, and one strikeout.
After Pettitte completed his six innings on the mound, the Yankees bullpen took over and it was lights out the rest of the way.
Phil Hughes was very impressive pitching a scoreless 7th inning.
Phil Coke tossed a scoreless 8th inning.
And, “The Great Mariano” closed out this well-played Yankees victory, throwing a perfect 9th inning for his 14th save, preserving the Yanks 34th win of 2009.
It is a very nice view at the top of the AL East for all in the Yankees Universe.
Two Disastrous Games For Yankees In Boston
It was only a week ago that the New York Yankees were embarrassed 22-4 by the Cleveland Indians in front of a National T.V. audience on the FOX Network at Yankee Stadium.
This Saturady, as Yogi Berra once said, was “deja vu all over again”, as the Yankees were soundly beaten 16-11 by the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, after a very shocking 5-4 extra innings loss on Friday night.
For anyone who says, it’s only April, and there are still many games yet to play, well, I would suggest, these games up in Boston are very important games; all games against the Red Sox are always important; all games on the schedule are very important, as they “all” count in the standings; especially, games the Yankees play against the Red Sox, and the rest of the AL East.
In September, we will all be looking back at the last two brutal Yankee losses, games the Yankees had the lead in, and should have won; and, we will all realize full well that these two games most certainly count in the standings.
The Yankees left way too many runners on base, batting only 4-for-19 on Friday night; and, 3-for-17 in Saturday’s game, for an overall 7-for-36 in the first two games of this three-game series. This is a big reason why the Yanks lost both games.
But, of course, the Yankees problems run deeper than just the many runners left on base.
The starting pitching and bullpen has been very inconsistent right from the beginning of this season, and having five, six, or seven pitchers on the mound in every game is not a very successful strategy because we cannot expect every pitcher will be effective in every game they pitch.
The stats tell the story, the Red Sox simply outplayed the Yankees in the first two games of this series.
It’s only April, but all the games count !!!
Let’s hope, and pray, Andy Pettitte gives the Yankees [at least] a solid seven innings on the mound in tonight’s final game of this series; and, the bullpen is very effective closing out the game, leading the Yankees to a very “big” and “important” victory.
Every win now, in the early season, is important for the Yankees playing baseball in October.
The “Melky-Way” Leads Yanks To 9-7 Extra Inning Win
Melky Cabrera was given a rare start in centerfield by manager Joe Girardi which proved to be the guiding star for the Yankees as “The Melk-man” delivered two big homeruns, the biggest being his walk-off, two-run homer, in the bottom of the 14th inning, that led the Yanks to a 9-7 victory over the Oakland A’s at the new Yankee Stadium in the beautiful, Bronx, New York.
Hideki Matsui and Derek Jeter also homered for the Bronx Bombers, but it was Melky’s two big blasts, the first from the right side of the plate in the second inning; and, the game-winner, lefthanded, in the 14th, that were the hightlights of the Yankees five-hour marathon afternoon win.
The two Melky homers were very hugh because they helped the Yankees win their third straight game, and, also, their sixth victory in nine games, improving the Yanks record to 9-6, tied with the Boston Red Sox in the AL East.
Also, the homers will be a hugh boost to Melky Cabrera’s confidence, who was the Yankees opening day starting centerfielder in 2008, but lost the prized position to Brett Gardner in 2009.
Melky had a big smile on his face when he crossed home plate after hitting his dramatic walk-off homerun off A’s reliever, Dan Giese (0-2); and, after the game Melky Cabrera was looking forward to future time in center and the Yankees lineup when he said, “any time the manager uses me, I will be ready. He [Girardi] showed enough confidence in me, and I did what I had to do. I knew the ball was gone, and I knew we had won”.
Way to go, Melky !!!
I am very happy the Yankees won the game, and, also, very happy that Melky got the big hit.
Bobby Abreu will be very proud, as Melky now wears Abreu’s old #53 uniform number. I still wish Bobby Abreu was playing rightfield, and batting in the middle of the Yankees batting order. But, if Melky keeps hitting the way he did in this ballgame, maybe, just maybe, #53 will have a major impact in this Yankees season.
Much credit for this 9-7 Yankees victory also has to be given to the Yankees bullpen, including Mariano Rivera in the 9th, who combined to pitch 7.1 scoreless innings, to keep the game tied 7-7 into the 14th inning, after CC Sabathia’s very ineffective start in which he allowed seven runs (six earned) in his 6.2 innings of work.
The most effective of the six Yankee relievers was Jose Veras (1-1) who threw 46 pitches over 3.1 innings of scoreless ball, getting the final out in the 11th, then, the 12th, 13th, and 14th innings, allowing no hits, one walk, while striking-out four, to earn a well deserved win.
In the game, the Yankees pounded out 17 hits, including the four homeruns, and at least one hit by every starting position player.
* Derek Jeter (2-for-7); two runs; two RBI’s; HR
* Johnny Damon (3-for-5); two walks
* Mark Teixeira (2-for-7); one run; one RBI
* Jorge Posada (2-for-6); one run; one walk
* Robinson Cano (2-for-7); one RBI
* Nick Swisher (1-for-4); one run; one RBI; three walks
* Hideki Matsui (2-for-7); one run; one RBI; HR
* Melky Cabrera (2-for-6); two runs; three RBI’s; one walk; two HR’s
* Cody Ransom (1-for-3); one run
This victory was a perfect way for the Yankees to end their opening home stand at the new Yankee Stadium, as they now head up to Boston for a big three-game, weekend series, against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox are “red-hot” with a seven game winning streak, and are tied with the Yankees with a 9-6 record in the AL East, as both teams get ready to do battle in their first major showdown of the 2009 baseball season.
It will be a fun series …
“Playoff Baseball In April” !!!
“A Season Within A Season” !!!
Mussina’s Final Start Ends With 20th Win Of Season
Mike Mussina finally reached the magic 20 win mark in a season, as the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox, 6-2, in the first game of a day/night doubleheader at Fenway Park.
After winning the first game of this three game series against the Sox, 19-8, on Friday, Saturday’s game was rained out. This resulted in the scheduled doubleheader on Sunday, the final day of the regular season. The rain also threatened to cancel these two games, but the on and off rainy day was clear enough to play, thankfully for Mussina. If these games were rained-out, they would not have been made up, because they would not have affected the final standings.
Mussina (20-9) threw only 73 pitches, over six solid shutout innings, allowing three hits, and two walks, while striking out three, and lowering his ERA to 3.37.
This victory was Mussina’s 270th career win, tying him with Burleigh Grimes, for 33th on the all-time wins list. Also, Mussina, 39, became the oldest pitcher to get his first 20-win season this late in his career.
Xavier Nady provided the Yankees with all the runs they would need, by hitting a three-run homer, off Boston starter, Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-3), in the top of the 4th inning.
With the 3-0 lead, Mussina got into his only trouble of the game in the bottom of the 4th, when Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz started off the inning by hitting back to back singles. But, Mussina got Kevin Youkilis to fly out to centerfield for the first out of the inning; and, then, J.D. Drew grounded into a double play, to end the inning without any further damage.
Mike Mussina’s start was finished after six innings; now it was up to the Yankees bullpen to hold the lead, and preserve Moose’s 20th win.
Phil Coke pitched a scoreless 7th inning, and was replaced by Joba Chamberlain in the 8th. Joba only faced two batters, though, allowing a lead-off walk, and then a double, bringing the tying run to the plate. At this point, Joe Girardi decided to make another pitching change, and brought Brian Bruney into the game.
Bruney allowed one run to score; and, was replaced by Damaso Marte, who allowed another run to score, cutting the Yankes lead to 3-2.
There were now two outs in the 8th, and Girardi made the call to Mariano Rivera to get the final four outs of the game. Rivera ended the rally by striking-out Dustin Pedroia on three straight pitches, the last one a swinging strike-three.
As it started to rain again, the Yankees scored three more insurance runs in the top of the 9th, off Boston closer, Jonathan Papelbon.
Robinson Cano (3-for-4) led off the inning with a single. Cody Ransom then grounded a perfect hit and run ball up the middle, setting up a first and third situation, with no outs. Jose Molina was up next, and hit a RBI sac fly to rightfield, driving home Cano for a 4-2 lead.
Brett Gardner then singled; and, Johnny Damon walked, to load the bases with Melky Cabrera coming up to the plate. Melky hit a RBI fielders choice grounder to third, that increased the Yanks lead to 5-2.
Alex Rodriguez was up next, with runners on second and third, and two outs. A-Rod completed the scoring by hitting a RBI single, for the 6-2 Yankees lead.
Papelbon struck-out Miranda for the final out of the inning. But, for Papelbon, this was the first time in his career that he ever gave up more than two runs in an appearance. So, as they say, you always see something you never seen before in each game. Well, today, it was the first time Papelbon gave up at least three runs in a game.
The “Great” Mariano closed out the Yankees 6-2 victory, and Mike Mussina’s 20th win of the season, by pitching a scoreless 9th inning, recording his 39th save.
Congratulations to Mike Mussina, for his outstanding 20-9 season !!!
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 