Tagged: Detroit Tigers
Yanks Win Opener 6-3, “By The Script”
So, on a far from perfect weather day in the beautiful Bronx, New York, a new baseball season began yesterday at The Stadium with the Yankees taming the Tigers 6-3, by perfectly executing their 2011 “playbook script” that hopefully will be repeated many times this year, leading the Yanks to their 28th World Championship.
The Yanks received a solid start from their ace CC Sabathia, who tossed 106 pitches over six innings, allowing three runs (two earned), on six hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts, leaving the game with the score tied 3-3. Manager Joe Girardi then called on the bullpen to follow a script that was written well before the start of spring training. And the key relievers delivered by building and completing a perfect “bridge to victory”.
Joba Chamberlain (W,1-0), pitched a scoreless seventh; Rafael Soriano nailed down a scoreless eighth, rolling out a diamond studded carpet for the “Great Mariano” who closed out the 6-3 win by pitching a perfect ninth inning, recording his first save, and 560th save of his Hall of Fame career.
The Bronx Bombers also lived up to a script that was written in stone many years and championships ago by blasting two homeruns: a three-run shot by Mark Teixeira, off Detroit starter Jason Verlander in the third, that gave the Yanks a 3-1 lead; And a leadoff homer by Curtis Granderson in the seventh, off former Yankee Phil Coke (L,0-1), that broke a 3-3 tie, and proved to be the game-winning hit and run of the game.
The Yankees scored another run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Derek Jeter that scored Russell Martin that upped the Yanks lead to 5-3. The Captain did not get a hit in this game, and remains at 2,926 career hits, still 74 short of the magic 3,000 total.
In the eight inning, the Yankees scored their final run on a RBI single by Nick Swisher that drove home Alex Rodriguez with run number six. A-Rod reached second in this inning on a long shot to right-center that he though was going into the bleachers for a homer. But the ball ended up hitting the base of the wall, and then rolled back towards center with the Tigers outfielder trying to chase it down.
Rodriguez was in his homerun-trot at this time looking into the Yankees dugout as he headed to first base; then he realized the ball was not going out, so he hustled to second for a double on a hit that should have been a triple. Anyway, A-Rod did end up scoring the run. But for sure, a play like this is not part of the Yankees playbook, and hopefully will not be repeated by any Yankee player this season.
Finally, special mention must be offered about the outstanding defensive plays made by Curtis Granderson – three great plays by the defensive star of the game … A diving catch in the first inning; Another diving catch in the sixth; and, A beautiful over the head, running catch in the ninth with Mariano Rivera on the mound. Five Stars For Granderson !!!!!
So, overall, it was a great “Opening Day” for the New York Yankees.
And on a “cold and rainy” not so perfect day in the Bronx, it was a perfect way to start this new baseball season.
– Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Bombers Back On Track; CC Tames Tigers 6-2
Thirteen times this season the Yankees faced a starting pitcher they had never seen before, including Max Scherzer (8-9) of the Tigers and Bryan Bullington (1-2) of the Royals, both of whom earned victories against the Yanks in their last two back-to-back losses. In these games against unknown starters the Yanks have a record of (4-9). Interesting numbers with really no explanation as to [why?] this continues to happen.
So in last night’s second game of four against the Detroit Tigers at the Stadium in the Bronx, which featured a battle of both teams aces, Justin Verlander (13-7) vs. CC Sabathia (15-5), one would think with the way the Yanks have been playing of late, they would be greatly challenged to score many runs against Verlander. CC would have to be money [again] for the Yanks to win this game.
This is not to say the Yankees would rather face some rookie pitcher instead of Verlander, or Verlander instead of a rookie starter. They have no control over who pitches against them on the mound. This only talks to the point that the Yankees have not been playing very well lately and really needed a win [a must-win in fact] as they entered this game against the Tigers tied for first place in the AL East with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Well, the first inning provided much drama as Austin Jackson led off the game by hitting Sabathia’s first pitch into the left-field seats for a quick 1-0 Detroit lead. This was the former Yankee’s second homer of the year.
Not to be left out of this discussion, Curtis Granderson, whom the Yankees received in the trade for Jackson, made two outstanding catches in centerfield in the first. The first catch was made after a long run to just in front of the wall of the right-centerfield bleachers; and the second catch was a great diving play running towards left-center.
In the bottom of the first the Yanks battled right back. Brett Gardner led off with a single, and advanced to second on a walk to Derek Jeter. After Teixeira made the first out, Cano walked to load the bases. Then, Nick Swisher, back in the lineup after sitting out the last game with a right forearm injury, stroked a two-run single to move the Yanks into a 2-1 lead.
Granderson delivered again in the second inning by blasting a solo home run (#12), into the rightfield bleachers. This upped the Bombers lead to 3-1.
Justin Verlander (L,13-8), threw a lot of pitches in the early innings, and was finished at the end of the fifth. He tossed 114 pitches while allowing three runs, on five hits, five walks, and five strikeouts.
The Yankees did exactly what Joe Girardi talked about before the game. They got to Verlander, who had a 7.12 ERA in the first inning of his starts this season, early on in this game. Girardi said, “They [the lineup] did a great job. When Justin gets on a roll, he’s really difficult. We put some runs on the board early and made them stand up.”
Schlereth replaced Verlander. And in the sixth, the Yanks scored again on a two-out double by Gardner (2-for-3, with a walk, and run), which was followed by a RBI single by Jeter to give the Yanks a 4-1 lead.
In the top of the seventh, Brandon Inge hit a homer (#8), to cut the score to 4-2.
Then in the bottom of the seventh, Robinson Cano also homered (#22); and, Pena drove home a run on a sac-fly to right to increase the Yankees lead to 6-2.
CC Sabahia (W,16-5), the first 16-game winner in the American League, struggled in the first few innings, but settled down nicely to pitch seven soild innings, throwing 115 pitches, while allowing two runs, on five hits, three walks, and nine strikeouts.
Money !!!
David Robertson pitched a scoreless eight. And Mariano Rivera closed out this 6-2 victory by pitching a scoreless ninth.
A must-win game, “Won” by the New York Yankees !!!
* Historic Note: In the fifth inning, Jorge Posada stroked a single to center, his 1,558th career hit, which tied Posada with Thurman Munson on the all-time hit list.
* Injury Report: – Alex Rodriguez (strain of left calf), listed as day-to-day.
– Lance Berkman (sprained right ankle), listed as day-to-day.
– Andy Pettitte (left groin strain), injured July 18th …
(Probably will not be back until the middle of September)
* And, Yogi Berra was back at Yankee Stadium for the first time since he suffered an injury as a result of a fall at his home. Yogi was not able to attend this year’s Yankees Old Timers’ Day celebrations on July 17th. Also, he could not attend the Hall of Fame inductee events about a week after Old Timers’ Day. Welcome back Yogi.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Yanks Bats Still Quiet … Lose 3-1 To Tigers
The last time the Yankees were shutout in back-to-back games was on May 12-13, 1999 against the Angels. Until the ninth inning of last night’s game against the Detroit Tigers at the Stadium, it looked like this rare event would happen again, as the Tigers held a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. The Yanks did finally score a run, though; but, lost the game 3-1.
This loss coupled with the Tampa Bay Rays 6-4 victory over Cliff Lee and the Texas Rangers, dropped the Yankees into a first place tie with the Rays in the AL East, both with a record of (72-46). The Boston Red Sox (67-52) did not have a game scheduled yesteday. So they picked up a half game on the Yanks and are now 5.5 games behind in third place.
The Tigers took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning on a two-run homer (#7) by Ryan Raburn off Yankees starter Javier Vazquez.
Vazquez (L,9-9), lasted only four innings in this contest, throwing a way too high total of 106 pitches, while allowing two runs, on five hits, four walks, and six strikeouts.
Meanwhile, the Yankees were having trouble with [yet] another pitcher they were facing for the first time, Tigers starter Max Scherzer. The Yanks lost 1-0 to the Royals Bryan Bullington, in his first start against the Bombers on Sunday. And this game against the Tigers was trending in the same direction – another shutout loss.
Scherzer (W,8-9), delivered a soild six innings on the mound, throwing 115 pitches, while giving up no runs, on only two hits, two base-on-balls, and six strikeouts.
After Scherzer’s night was over after six innings, the Yankees did have some chances to score against the Tigers bullpen. But they left two runners on base in the seventh, and two runners on in the eight.
In the top of the eight, however, Miguel Cabrera hit a solo home run (#28) off Joba Chamberlain, to give the Tigers an insurance run that upped their lead to 3-0.
The game then entered the bottom of the ninth with closer Jose Valverde on the mound. And he did his best to help the Yankees end their scoring drought by basically self-imploding on the mound.
Robinson Cano walked, and was forced at second on a grounder by Joge Posada. Then, Curtis Granderson (3-for-3, with a walk), hit a hard line-drive single to right, which was followed by a walk to Francisco Cervelli that loaded the bases. Brett Gardner was up next, and was issued another walk by Valverde that forced home a run to break the shutout and cut the Tigers lead to 3-1.
Now, with one out, and the bases loaded, Derek Jeter was up at the plate. Jeter battled in a long at-bat, but on a 3-2 pitch grounded into a game-ending 6-4-3 double play. Gardner slid hard into Carlos Guillen trying to breakup the DP. But Guillen stayed his ground to make the play, throwing to first to seal the Tigers 3-1 victory.
The Yankees not only lost this game; they also lost Alex Rodriguez to a left calf injury; and Nick Swisher to a right forearm injury during the game. And with Lance Berkman also out with a strained foot injury from the Royals series, the Yankees are very short in the lineup and on the bench for the next few games as all injured players are listed as day-to-day.
A nice touch occurred in the first inning of this game when Johnny Damon batted for the first time. The Yankee Stadium crowd gave him a very warm round of applause, as this was Damon’s first time back to the Bronx since his free-agent signing with the Tigers.
Game Two of this series on Tuesday, August 17th, features a match-up of “aces” …
Justin Verlander (13-7, 3.72) vs. CC Sabathia (15-5, 3.14).
In my view, this is a “must-win” game for the New York Yankees !!!
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Thoughts On The MLB Winter Meetings …
The 2009 Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis ended Thursday December 10th without any real major block-buster trades or deals taking place. But, the winter baseball season still has many months remaining, with many big free agents on the market that should keep baseball on the back pages of the sports sections right up to spring training 2010.
Some of the biggest names still looking for large contracts with winning major league teams are: Roy “Doc” Halladay, Matt Halliday, John Lackey, Jason Bay, Hideki Matsui; and, Johnny Damon. Of course, I’m most interested in the Yankees re-signing Matsui and Damon; and, then, maybe, making at least one more major deal before the new season begins.
Most Yankee fans, including myself, would agree that all the moves made by the Yankees at the winter meetings were good deals that will help the team in 2010 and beyond.
The mini-blockbuster three-team trade the Yankees made with the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks, that landed all-star center fielder Curtis Granderson in the Bronx, was the major move by the Yanks.
The Bombers really gave up very little to get Granderson, as Ian Kennedy is headed to Arizona; and, Phil Coke and Austin Jackson are traveling to Detroit. The other players involved in the trade, included: Edwin Jackson going from Detroit to Arizona; and, Daniel Schlereth and Max Scherzer moving from the Diamondbacks to the Tigers.
At these meetings the Yankees also reached a one-year agreement with Andy Pettitte for $11.75 million to be the third starter once again in the rotation. And, they traded Brian Bruney to the Washington Nationals for the first selection in the Rule 5 Draft, which turned out to be Jamie Hoffmann, an outfielder from the Dodgers minor league system. Both good moves.
Hoffmann, who batted .291 with 10 homers, 64 RBI’s, and 15 SB, in 358 at-bats last season, as well as, being rated [by Baseball America] the best defensive outfielder in the Dodgers minor league system the past four seasons [2006-’09], will be given a chance to make the team in spring training. This will create a very crowded outfield situation for the Yanks in 2010, especially if the Damon is re-signed. Could a deal involving Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner be in the works?
As I stated above, I do want the Yankees to re-sign both Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. But, if the Yanks only intend on signing one of these two very important players, then my choice would be Matsui.
Matsui’s MVP performance in 2009 World Series, highlighted by his six RBI’s in the Yanks 7-3 victory over the Phillies in Game 6, the deciding game; along with his great regular season in which he hit 28 homers and drove home 90 runs, should be all that the Yankees braintrust need to consider when offering Hideki at least a one-year deal.
Yes, Matsui will only bat as the DH in the lineup. But, he is the perfect number five hitter behind Alex Rodriguez; and, certainly, the Yankees would miss Matsui’s bat in the middle of the order “if they just let him walk away from the team”.
“If they just let him walk away from the team” …
That is pretty much the same quote I used last year when the Yankees braintrust decided not to re-sign Bobby Abreu. I was disappointed then, and still disappointed [now] about that move. And, I would feel the same way if the Yankees do not re-sign Hideki Matsui. The Yankees owe Matsui a little more then just a little respect, as well as, a decent contract for 2010.
On the final day, the Winter Meetings did end with an interesting four-year, $65 million offer from the New York Mets to Jason Bay.
Now, Jason Bay is a player I would like to see the New York Yankees bring to the Bronx – [five-years, $85 million?]
Jason Bay already turned down a reported four-year, $60 million offer from the Boston Red Sox. I think it would be foolish for the Sox to not re-sign their left fielder; but, when all is said and done, I do think the Red Sox will “up” their offer and re-sign Mr. Bay … I really cannot imagine the Mets out-bidding the Red Sox for Bay.
But, if all parties can’t come to an agreement, then, maybe, just maybe, the Yankees will make a last minute bid for Jason Bay [like they did with Mark Teixeira in 2008], and their crowded outfield situation will become just a little bit more crowded – only until the next deal.
It is great to be back blogging !!!
I have been very busy over the last month which has limited my time on the computer. This has resulted in a lack of new posts on my mlblog, and, also, no time to offer any commentary on my blog and throughout the mlblogosphere. For this lack of time to update my blog, and, or, visit other blogs, I am truly sorry !!!
Hopefully, I will be able to blog on a more regular basis throughout the rest of the Winter Baseball Season, and, also, visit many other mlblogs in this awesome blogging community here at mlblogs/mlb.com !!!
I hope everybody had a Happy Thanksgiving, and is doing well, as we all enjoy the Hot Stove League while we count down the days to Spring Training 2010.
Thank You for all your visits, and continued support of my mlblog, “BY&L” !!!
Best Wishes,
Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
A Glorious Coast To Coast “Day-Night” Doubleheader
Yesterday was one of those rare days during the regular season that baseball fans could just sit back and enjoy a wonderful coast-to-coast, day-night doubleheader, with both games having major playoff implications in the AL East pennant race.
The first game took place on an overcast day at Fenway Park between the Boston Red Sox, second in the AL East, and the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers.
This afternoon matchup set the tone beautifully for the nightcap of this great baseball day, between the first place in the AL East, New York Yankees, and the wild card hopeful Mariners in Seattle.
I settled in front of my television set, imagining I was sitting in one of those skyview box seats on top of the Green Monster, instead of just watching this great pitching matchup between Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.45) of the Tigers vs. the Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz (1-2, 5.33), in the comfort of my home on my MLB Extra Innings package.
The “Green Monster” in Fenway Park
There have been many great pitching performances throughout baseball of late, the most notable being the Perfect Game by Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox; all the brilliant performances during the just completed Yankees vs. Red Sox series, highlighted by the 0-0 pitching duel between Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett, that ended with a 15 innings, 2-0, Yankees victory; the 0-0 duel between Mark Buehrle and Felix Hernandez the other night, in which the Mariners defeated the White Sox, 1-0 in 14 innings; a fine effort by Cliff Lee (3-0) last night, one run in eight innings on the mound leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-1 victory; and, many other outstanding pitching performances.
And, to the above list can be added the excellent performances by Verlander and Buchholz in the Tigers 2-0 win over the Red Sox yesterday afternoon; and, CC Sabathia’s best start since signing with the Yankees, in the Bronx Bombers 11-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners.
Verlander (13-6), delivered a masterful display of brilliance on the mound, throwing 123 pitches over eight solid innings, while allowing no runs; on only four hits; one walk; and eight strikeouts.
Justin retired 16 of the last 19 batters he faced, and was still firing the ball up to the plate at 100 mph in the eight inning. On this day, Mr. Verlander was just way too dominant as he over-powered the Red Sox hitters.
Clay Buchholz (1-3), also pitched a very good game, lasting seven innings, while giving up two runs (one earned); on five hits; three walks; and three strikeouts.
Both runs in this game were driven home by Ryan Raburn, on a single in the fourth, and a homer (#7) in the seventh inning. Fernando Rodney closed out this 2-0 Tigers victory by pitching a scoreless ninth inning recording his 24th save of the season.
This was a very big win for the Tigers (60-54), who remain in first place in the AL Central, two and a half games over the Chicago White Sox; and, also, it prevented an embarrassing four-game sweep at the hands of Boston (65-49).
The Red Sox are now six and a half games behind the Yankees (72-43), in the AL East.
Fenway Park
CC In Control …
The second game of this day-night doubleheader started at 10:00 p.m ET in Seattle, with CC Sabathia (12-7, 3.76) of the Yankees, facing off against Ian Shell (2-8, 5.42) of the Mariners at Safeco Field.
In a very brisk 2 hours, 42 minutes game, the New York Yankees stroked 15 hits in route to an 11-1 bashing of the Mariners.
CC Sabathia was in total control and command on the mound all game, allowing only three hits — a single to Ichiro in the third inning; a solo homer to Josh Wilson (#1) in the fifth; and a single to Jack Hannahan in the eight — while walking two; and, striking out a season high 10 batters on the path to his 13th win this season.
Also, it must be noted, Jose Molina called a solid game behind the plate, giving a day of rest to Jorge Posada who caught the whole 11 innings in the Yankees 4-3 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday afternoon.
Safeco Field
The Yankees jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the second inning on a RBI double by Jerry Hairston, Jr, who was playing third in place of the injured Alex Rodriguez, and a wild pitch.
Then, the Bronx Bombers increased their lead to 5-0 in the third, on a lead off homer by Derek Jeter (#14); and, a two-run homer by Hideki Matsui (#18), that drove home Johnny Damon who doubled after the Jeter homerun.
In the fourth inning, Jeter singled and scored on a double by Mark Teixeira that upped the Yanks lead to 6-0.
CC allowed the only Mariner run on a homer to Josh Wilson in the fifth inning that made the score 6-1 at the time.
Ian Snell (0-1), was knocked out of the game in the top of the seventh after giving up a double to Damon and a walk to Teixeira, and was replaced by Garrett Olson.
The Bombers continued the pounding of the Mariners with a RBI single by Matsui; a RBI groundout by Melky Cabrera; and, a RBI single by Hairston that increased the Yankees lead to 9-1.
Safeco Field
The Yankees completed the scoring in this game in the top of the eight on a single by Teixeira and a two run homer by Matsui (#19), his second home run of the game, that framed the Yankees 11-1 victory.
Hideki Matsui had his best performance of the year, belting out four hits in five at bats, including two homers; five RBI’s; and, four runs scored.
The Yankees attack also included two hits apiece from: Jeter, a homer and single; Damon, two doubles; Teixeira, a double and single and RBI; Cano, two singles; and, Hairston, Jr, a double and single, and two RBI’s. [Hairston has looked very impressive so far in his brief time on the team].
Brian Bruney closed out the Yankees victory with a very easy one-two-three 9th inning.
This victory was a great way for the New York Yankees to start their 10-game road trip.
All the baseball action continues tonight with Andy Pettitte (9-6, 4.14) on the mound for the Yankees, against the Mariners Ryan Rowland-Smith (2-1, 3.86).
It was a beautiful day watching these two great baseball games; and, it is nice view, in first place on top of the AL East for all in the Yankees Universe.
— photo credits:
* google images
* http:// www. baseballpilgrimages .com
* http:// www. myredsoxtoday .com
* http:// www. andrewclem .com/baseball/photos
* http:// www. dahogan .com
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Update: Saturday, August 15, 2009 …
Friday night’s Yankees and Red Sox games …
Yankees 4, Mariners 2 …
The pitching was great for both teams in this game, as Andy Pettitte threw one of his best games of the year for the New York Yankees, tossing 111 pitchers over six dazzling innings, allowing two runs, on six hits, one walk, and a season high “ten” strikeouts.
Pettitte was matched pitch for pitch by Seattle Mariners starter Ryan Rowland-Smith, who threw 99 pitchers over seven solid innings of work, while giving up two runs, on only three hits, two walks, and five strkeouts.
This game entered the top of the ninth inning tied 2-2 when Mark Teixeira broke the deadlock with a high arching homerun into the lower right field seats at Safeco Field that gave the Bombers a 3-2 lead. The homer was Teixeira’s 30th of the season.
After the Tex homer, Robinson Cano stroked an opposite field two-out double to left, and was driven home by Nick Swisher’s looping RBI single over the second baseman’s head for a very important insurance run and the 4-2 lead.
The Yankees bullpen took over for Pettitte in the seventh inning with Brian Bruney replacing Andy on the mound.
Bruney tossed a scoreless seventh inning; Phil Hughes (5-3), pitched a scoreless eight inning, although, did walk two batters before getting the final out on his second strikeout of the inning; and, then, The Great Mariano closed the door in the ninth, throwing three straight infield ground-outs that preserved the Yankees 4-2 victory. This was Mariano Rivera’s 34th save of the season.
The first place New York Yankees now have a record of 73-43 … [30 games over .500 for the first time this year]; and, have won 11 of their last 12 games; 35 of their last 46 games; and, are 22-6 since the All-Star break.
Red Sox 8, Rangers 4 …
In the first game of this big three-game series in Texas, the Red Sox scored six runs in the top of the ninth inning off Rangers closer Frank Francisco to win the game 8-4, and move one and a half games ahead of Texas in the American League wild-card race.
The Rangers took a 4-2 lead into the ninth. But, a big hit by Victor Martinez, a two-out, two-run double, that gave the Sox the 5-4 lead, and, a two-run homer by J.D. Drew that capped the scoring in the game, led the Red Sox to a huge come-from-behind 8-4 victory.
Michael Young supplied most of the offense for the Rangers, driving home three of the four runs, including a two-run homer off Boston starter Jon Lester in the first inning that gave Texas the early 2-0 lead.
The Red Sox now have a record of 66-49, and remain in second place in the AL East, six and a half games behind the Yankees.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
What a Weekend, and more …
This past weekend provided a lot of sports action, here in the Bronx, New York, at Yankee Stadium; and, across the Atlantic Ocean in Turnberry, Scotland, at the 138th British Open.
At “The Open”, Tom Watson, 59, came so close to authoring the greatest golf story in the history of the sport, as well as, one of the greatest sports stories of all-time.
Watson was on top of the Leaderboard after 54 holes as the tournment entered the Final Round this past Sunday with a (-4), one stroke lead over the next two golfers, Mathew Goggin (-3) and Ross Fisher (-3) … And, then, Tom Watson continued on his magical journey all the way to the 18th hole, still leading by one stroke (-3), over Stewart Cink (-2), who was the second place finisher in the clubhouse at the time after completing his 72 holes.
Turnberry, Scotland – (picsrv .opengolf .com)
Tom Watson was on the 18th green, and all he had to do was sink an eight foot putt for the victory. But, he hit a very cautious putt that landed about a foot from the hole. The disappointment on Watson’s face told the story as he tapped in his final putt for a bogey, that dropped him into a tie with Cink at two under par for the tournament.
Stewart Cink was called from the clubhouse to engage in four-hole playoff with Watson. It was clear from the first hole, though, all the air of victory had been drained from Watson, as he looked tired, and hit many poor shots during this playoff. History would not be made on this day.
Congratulations to Stewart Cink on his great victory in the 138th British Open.
And, thank you, Tom Watson, for giving us all something to cheer about this weekend. It was still a great story. And, even though Watson is a five-time winner of the British Open, an historic sixth victory would have capped a brilliant career by Watson and added to the enjoyment of his year’s Open. Tom Watson is a true inspiration to us all.
Tom Watson – (telegraph .co.uk)
Oh, yeah, there was also exciting baseball action in the Beautiful Bronx this weekend and into this week.
The New York Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers this weekend with a 5-3 victory on Friday; and, back-to-back 2-1 wins on Saturday and Sunday. Then, they won their third straight 2-1 game, with a victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday.
The Yankees continued their current five-game winning streak since the All-Star break with a 6-4 win against the Orioles on Tuesday, July 21st.
This win, coupled with the Boston Red Sox fourth loss in their last five games, moved the Yankees into first place in the AL East, one game ahead of Boston.
The Yankees have had solid pitching and great clutch hitting on their drive to first place during this five-game winning streak.
Phil Hughes (4-2) was the winning pitcher in the 5-3 victory over the Tigers. Mark Teixeira blasted a big three-run homer that led the Yanks to their first win of this streak. Mariano Rivera recorded his 24th save.
In Saturday’s game, CC Sabathia (9-6) was the winning pitcher. Alex Rodriguez hit a homer that tied the score 1-1, and Melky Cabrera had the game-winning hit in a game that Mariano preserved the 2-1 victory with his 25th save.
On, Old Timer’s Day, the Yankees won another 2-1 game, scoring both runs on homers: Alex Rodriguez (#19); Mark Teixeira (#23). Joba Chamberlain (W, 5-2) had a solid outing; and, “The Great Mariano” recorded save number 26.
The Yankees then won their “third” straight 2-1 game with a victory over the Baltimore Orioles, in the first of three games vs. the O’s on Monday, July 20, 2009. Hinske hit his 5th homerun, and Hideki Matsui (#15), hit a game-winning homer in the bottom of the 9th inning. [enough with the “pies” already]. Andy Pettitte pitched seven strong innings; and Aceves (6-1) was the winning pitcher for the Bronx Bombers.
Sergio Mitre was called up from AAA-SWB to pitch as the fifth stater in the rotation [as long as he keeps pitching well]. And, in the middle game of the Orioles series, Mitre turned in an okay performance, lasting 5.2 innings on the mound, while allowing four runs (three earned); on a too high total of eight hits; one walk; and four strikeouts. But, Mitre’s effort was good enough to earn the win, his first as a Yankee. Robinson Cano homered, and Mariano Rivera preserved the Yankees fifth straight win with his 27th save of the season.
So, the Yankees look to win their sixth straight game since the All-Star break, with an afternoon game against the Orioles at the Stadium on Wednesday, July 22nd.
At the start of baseball action today, The Yankees are in First Place in the AL East …
AL EAST
New York Yankees 56-37 .602 —
Boston Red Sox 55-38 .591 1.0
Tampa Bay Rays 52-42 .553 4.5
Toronto Blue Jays 46-48 .489 10.5
Baltimore Orioles 41-52 .441 15.0
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
“Teix” Message Leads Yanks To 26th Comeback Win
Like a scene from the great baseball movie “The Natural”, Mark Teixeira walked up to the plate in the bottom of the 7th inning with the Yankees losing to the Detroit Tigers, 3-2, with Derek Jeter on first, Johnny Damon on third, and no outs, and rain pouring from the dark night sky into the new Yankee Stadium, quicker and wetter, second by rainy second.
Teix worked the count to 3-1 off reliever Joel Zumaya, and, then, unloaded a soaring blast that cut through the fast falling rain drops before landing deep in the second deck of the right field seats like a “fictional” shot off Roy Hobbs “Wonderboy” bat.
The Yanks now had a 5-3 lead in this first game after the All-Star break.
After Teixeira’s homer, his 22nd, the Yankees had a chance to open up the lead even further when they loaded the bases with two outs. But, Zumaya got out of the jam by retiring Melky Cabrera, the ninth batter of the inning, on a ground out to second base.
The Tigers had jumped out to a quick 2-1 lead off Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett in the first two innings.
The Yankees scored their first inning run on a RBI single by Hideki Matsui off Tigers starter Luke French.
Curtis Granderson increased Detroit’s lead to 3-1 with a lead-off home run in the top of the 5th inning.
Then, after Granderson’s homer, and one out, a great defensive play by Melky Cabrera, throwing out Miguel Cabrera at second base after he hit a shot off the right centerfield wall, prevented the Tigers from putting together a big rally in the inning. After the big play by Melky, Burnett walked the next two batters, but did get out of trouble by retiring Inge on a pop-up to third for the final out of the inning.
The Yanks closed the gap to 3-2 in the bottom of the 5th, when Johnny Damon reached first on a single, and scored on an error by left-fielder Anderson, on a ball that went through his legs on a Mark Teixeira single.
A.J.Burnett somehow managed to throw 104 pitches throughout six innings of work, and allow only three runs, on a night that he did not full command of his pitches. A.J. gave up six hits, five walks, and hit a batter, while recording only one strikeout.
Phil Hughes (W, 4-2), replaced Burnett, and was brilliant in his two innings of relief, recording all six outs in the seventh and eight innings on “strikeouts”. Hughes did, however, allow two hits in the 7th, and one hit in the 8th inning; but, he was firing pitches in the range of 95-96-97 mph up to the plate, in his finest outing as a reliever so far this season.
Out of the bullpen, Phil Hughes has not allowed a run in his last 12 appearances, covering 15.2 innings; and, has given up just two runs in 20.1 innings as a reliever this year, for an ERA of 0.89.
The game was interrupted by a 57 minute rain delay in the bottom of the 8th inning; but, after the delay, the Yankees carried a 5-3 lead into the 9th inning with Mariano Rivera now on the mound for the Yanks.
Mariano struck-out Granderson leading off the 9th, for out number one.
Polanco then doubled, bringing the tying run up to the plate.
But, “The Great Mariano” retired the Tigers number three hitter, Miguel Cabrera, on a grounder to third, for the second out; and, then, got the clean-up hitter, Thames, to pop-out to Mark Teixeira for the final out, preserving the Yankees 5-3 victory.
Mariano Rivera now has 24 saves this season.
This win moves the Yankees record to 53-37.
But, the Red Sox (56-34); and, the Rays (50-41), also won their games.
So, the Yankees remain in second place in the AL East, three games behind the first place Red Sox; and, three and a half games ahead of the third place Rays.
To view boxscore of this game, click on: Yankees 5, Tigers 3
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
What A Difference Three Games Make
The New York Yankees headed into Detroit after being swept three games by the Boston Red Sox — losing the first game 5-4; the second game, 16-11; and, game number three, 4-1.
Then, the Yanks lost the first game to the Tigers, 4-2, their fourth straight loss; and, it looked like the Yankees were in a free fall, staring deep into the dark abyss of failure with their season starting to fade away below the .500 mark, which could only end with the Bombers watching the playoffs from the comfront of their living rooms.
But, the baseball season is six months long before the playoffs begin; and, winning and losing streaks are all part of the game.
The Yankees quickly turned their losing road trip into respectability beating the Tigers in the final two games of their three-game series, 11-0 and 8-6, then returning to the Bronx to beat the L.A. Angels 7-4 in the first game of a four game series.
So, as this baseball season heads into May, the standings in the AL East are as follows …
* Boston Red Sox 14 – 8 .636 —
* Toronto Blue Jays 15 – 9 .625 —
* New York Yankees 12 – 10 .545 2
* Baltimore Orioles 9 – 13 .409 5
* Tampa Bay Rays 9 – 14 .391 5.5
Not bad, really, so far, for the New York Yankees.
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 