Tagged: Fenway Park
Yanks Drop The Ball; Sox Win 6-3
In the first inning, in Game One of this very important four-game series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, it looked like we were all going to treated to another classic battle between these two great rivals.
David Ortiz blasted a solo homer (#24) in the top of the inning to give the Sox an early 1-0 lead. Then, after Derek Jeter led off the bottom of the first with a single, his 2,873th career hit that tied the Captain with Babe Ruth on the all-time hit list, Mark Teixeira also belted his 24th homer, that moved the Bombers into a 2-1 lead.
At this point, it seemed both starting pitchers, Clay Buchholz for the Red Sox and Javier Vazquez for the Yankees, would not last past the fifth inning, as surely this game would probably take over four hours to complete with the bullpens battling it for the victory.
But, the game was really decided in the top of the second inning.
Beltre started off the inning with a double, before J.D. Drew made the first out on a pop up to second. Mike Lowell was the next batter, and hit what looked like a very easy pop up just in front of the plate on the first base side of the infield. Both Vazquez and cacher Francisco Cervelli converged around the spot were the ball was likely to descend from the beautiful Bronx sky. At the last second, Cervelli called for the ball with Vazquez standing almost nose to nose with his catcher. The ball approached Cervelli and he dropped it, as the ball deflected off his mit, falling to the ground.
After the game, Cervelli said, “I moved my glove late and dropped it [the ball]. It was my fault; I’m supposed to catch that ball.”
Vazquez had second thoughts after the game, saying, “I’m a pretty good fielder, and should have called him off. You never know how the game goes from there.”
Well, the game did not go very well for the Yankees after that play, as the Red Sox took full advantage of Cervelli’s error with some help from Vazquez.
Rookie Ryan Kalish struck out to record the second out of the inning. But, Vazquez then walked the ninth place hitter Jed Lowrie to load the bases. And also walked the next batter Jacoby Ellsbury to force in the tying run. Marco Scutaro completed the embarrassing Yankee inning by hitting a two-RBI double that scored Lowell and Lowrie, giving the Red Sox a 4-2 lead.
That was basically the ballgame.
The Yanks scored a run in the fifth to cut the Sox lead to 4-3. And the rookie left-fielder Kalish, playing in only his seventh game for the Sox, blasted his first career homer, a two-run shot in the sixth, to cap the scoring in this game. Red Sox 6, Yankees 3.
Clay Buchholz (12-5), pitched a solid game, tossing 97 pitches over 7 and a third innings, allowing three runs, on nine hits, four strikeouts, and no walks, to earn the win.
Javier Vazquez (L, 9-8), lasted five and a third innings, giving up all six runs (three unearned), on six hits (including two homers), four walks, and four strikeouts.
Both bullpens were solid, with Jonathan Papelbon earning his 27th save. And, Derek Jeter won a temendous battle against Papelbon in the ninth by working a 12-pitch walk with two outs in the inning.
Nick Swisher flied out to left for the final out of the game which lasted only three hours and seventeen minutes, a very short amount of time for a complete game by Yankee and Red Sox standards.
The Tampa Bay Rays (67-42), lost 2-1 against the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday. So, the Yankees (67-41) remain in first place in the AL East by half a game over the Rays.
But, as I keep telling my Yankee friends, do not count out the Boston Red Sox (63-47), who are in third place, five games behind the Yanks. There are still many games to play, and this will be a three-team race between the Yanks, Rays, and Sox, right down to the wire in the AL East.
In the Yankees final 19 games of the season, the Bombers play the Rays seven times, and play the Red Sox six times, including the final three games of the season at Fenway Park.
Right now, though, the Yankees need to focus on winning the next three games of “this” series, so the Red Sox do not get too close to first place at this point of the season.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
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”
Yankees Start Journey For 28th World Championship
The New York Yankees had a very special year in 2009 — one of their best seasons in their history. But, a new season is just beyond the horizon, and, as always, the goal remains the same for the Yanks, as it was from the first day George Steinbrenner took over ownership of this historic franchise in 1973 …
“Win the World Series” !!! … “Anything less is a failure” !!!
This is the “Yankee Way”, which continues the great Yankees Tradition of greatness that goes all the way back to the 1920’s. And, all in the Yankees Universe can thank George Steinbrenner for always making “winning” the number one priority each and every season.
Without any major controversy [so far] this spring, it gives the Yankees braintrust, and fans, the opportunity to fully focus on key areas of concern that need to be resolved on the Yankees roster before the new season begins against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 4th, Easter Sunday night.
So, the following is my list of some major issues the Yankees need to address during Spring Training, and throughout the 2010 season …
1. Battle For Fifth Spot In Starting Rotation …
I have always been of the opinion that Joba Chamberlain should be a starter, as opposed to being “exiled” in the bullpen … Last season the Yankees braintrust devised all kinds of plans and rules that restricted Joba’s number of pitches thrown, and innings pitched … I think all these rules also restricted Joba’s development as a major league pitcher … In my view, the “Joba Rules” had a negative effect on Chamberlain’s “mindset” which resulted in an overall below average performance on the mound in 2009 … The one good and positive thing about the “Joba Rules” is that they are no longer in effect in 2010 … Chamberlain pitched enough innings during the ’09 season to not have any more restrictions in his starts this season … So, it makes all the sense in the world to pitch Joba Chamberlain as the fifth starter in a rotation that features: CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, and Javier Vazquez as the first four starters … We all need to see how well Joba can perform as a starter over a full season before any decisions are made that will send him to the bullpen … If Chamberlain fails to deliver by the All-Star break, then, Phil Hughes can step into the rotation for the second half of the season … No matter where Hughes pitches this year, [bullpen or as a starter], there will be restrictions [Hughes Rules?] placed on him … So, saving Hughes for the second part of the season will be insurance if Chamberlain is not effective … Also, I believe Phil Hughes is more valuable to the Yanks – in the bullpen – then, Joba would be … That’s my opinion based on how they both pitched last year … And, who knows? … In the future, the Yankees rotation may include both Chamberlain and Hughes pitching as starters … As for the other candidates battling for the fifth spot this spring, I think: Alfredo Aceves and Chad Gaudin will end up in the bullpen as long and middle relievers; and, Sergio Mitre will either start the season at (AAA) Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, or be released by the Yanks … Also, Aceves, Gaudin, or Mitre, could be part of some future Yankee trade.
2. The Lineup: Who will bat number two in the order?
It will be interesting to see who gets hurt more by Johnny Damon signing with the Detroit Tigers this year — the Yankees or Damon? … Certainly, the Yankees will miss Damon in the number two spot in the order … Damon’s working the count, getting on base, hitting for a good average with some power, and great speed, were perfect combinations batting behind Derek Jeter last year. Especially, Johnny’s speed and base running abilities will be missed … But, at this early point in the spring, it has been reported, Nick Johnson will start the season as the Yanks designated hitter and bat number two in the lineup … Johnson is a good hitter, with no speed, who will bat in the .290-.300 range, with power, and an on base percentage of .400 plus … Johnson is a good addition to the Yankees; but, I would rather have Hideki Matsui as DH and Damon batting second in the order … Of course, they are both gone, as Matsui will play for the Angels, and Damon for the Tigers, in 2010 … I don’t think Johnson is the perfect number two hitter; and, he has been very injury-prone throughout his career … But, with that said, the Yankees batting order will look something like the following most of this year:
(1) Derek Jeter SS
(2) Nick Johnson DH
(3) Mark Teixeira 1B
(4) Alex Rodriguez 3B
(5) Jorge Posada C
(6) Robinson Cano 2B
(7) Nick Swisher RF
(8) Curtis Granderson LF
(9) Brett Gardner CF
3. Who will play Left Field? … Center Field?
Joe Girardi has always had great praise for Brett Gardner; so, he will be given every opportunity to play everyday. And, when Gardner is in the lineup he will play center field because center is his best position, and he does play it well … This will then shift Curtis Granderson to left field when Gardner plays … The Yankees also have Randy Winn, Jamie Hoffmann, and Marcus Thames battling to become the fourth outfielder, with Winn probably the early-line favorite at this time … If Winn makes the team, he will play left field when he’s in the lineup, with Granderson playing center … Consistency is the key for success of the Yankees outfield: Granderson in left; Gardner in center; and, Nick Swisher in right … Granderson (.249 BA; .327 OB: .453 Slug; 91 R; 72 BB; 30 HR; 71 RBI; 141 K’s), had very similar stats as Swisher (.245 BA; .357 OB; .460 Slug; 84 R; 97 BB; 29 HR; 82 RBI; 126 K’s), in 2009 … Both players need to improve their numbers … Gardner needs to hit for a higher average; get on base more; and, steal many bases this season to justify being the Yanks regular center fielder … He has been working on his bunting this winter, which is a very positive sign that should result in many infield hits and sacrifice bunts for Gardner in 2010 … Another question that will be answered throughout the season will be: Which combination of players would be more productive for the Yankees this year ? …
Damon (LF) – Granderson (CF) – Matsui (DH) … or,
Granderson (LF) – Gardner (CF) – Johnson (DH)
Only time will tell.
4. Jorge Posada catching A.J. Burnett, and other starters?
The issue that some Yankee pitches have had difficulties with Jorge Posada catching their starts has been well documented over the years … Last year, A.J. Burnett seemed to be most distracted when Posada caught his games, which resulted in Jose Molina becoming Burnett’s personal catcher for most of the season … But, this year, Molina will be playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, and Francisco Cervelli will be the Yanks back-up catcher … It will be worth watching how this drama unfolds thoughout the year, but the early signs look positive as both Posada and Burnett are making every effort to work out all their issues during the spring …
In an article in the New York Daily News by Mark Feinsand, A.J. Burnett is quoted as saying, “I was looking forward to it [bullpen session with Posada] from the first day of camp, to be able to put that behind us and start working together. A lot of stuff was blown out of proportion last year. We’ve talked a handful of times already, so we’re excited to put that behind us, move on and learn from each other.” … “I hope he [Posada] catches me every bullpen and every game this spring. Me coming in here last year and feeling like I caused that controversy, I want to throw to Jorge. I don’t want to deal with that anymore.” … “I never questioned Jorge; I never would and never did. I questioned myself, but everyone thought I questioned Jorge. He’s caught in this league for a long time, so there’s a lot I can learn from him.” …
Posada was also quoted in the article, saying: “I can’t catch him [Burnett] every day, but I bet you the first time I’m not in there when he pitches, people will talk about it. If Cervelli catches him four in a row and he wins four in a row, I’ll make sure Cervelli catches him the fifth time.”
So, the signs look good that both Posada and Burnett are going to figure out how best to work together during games A.J. starts.
The one thing, though, that all the pitchers on the Yankees staff will agree on is … Jorge Posada’s bat in the middle of the lineup is very important to the Yanks winning … Posada has been a major part of “five” Yankee World Championship teams, and has produced many key hits and huge home runs throughout his great career … Those two and three-run homers make-up for any questions about Jorge’s catching abilities … And, for that, Posada deserves all the respect due him as one of the best catchers [maybe the best], in Major League Baseball over the past 15 years.
5. The Bullpen: “Bridge to Mariano” …
Mariano Rivera had one of his best seasons as the Yankees “closer” last year … And, there is every reason to believe that he will continue his dominance as the “best closer in the history of baseball”, in 2010, and over the next few years … Therefore, the main questions about the Yankees bullpen revolve around the middle relievers, eight-inning set-up man, and how well constructed the “Bridge to Mariano” will be built and hold-up over the course of the whole season … There are a full cast of characters that will battle it out during spring training to fill these bullpen spots, including: David Robertson; Damaso Marte; Mark Melancon; Jonathan Albaladejo; Edwar Ramirez; and newly acquired, Boone Logan; and Chan Ho Park; [plus others] … Also, in the mix are: Aceves; Gaudin; Mitre, as well as, Phil Hughes, who I think will start the season as the eight-inning “set-up man” … But, whatever the make-up of the Yankees bullpen is this year, my major concern is: I hope manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland do not overuse the bullpen [again] in 2010 … Dare I mention: “pitch-counts”, “inning-limitations”, and, a “parade of relievers” from the bullpen to the mound, in many games? … In my view, the key for the best performances from the pitching staff is for the starting pichers to be allowed to pitch at least seven or eight innings per game, and, even be allowed to “complete games” … It would be great to see some “CG’s” this season … But, the main key is Mariano Rivera, and how well he pitches … Victory is certain [again] when we hear many times this season:
“Mariano closes out the game, and the Yankees win” !!!
Everybody, Enjoy “Spring Training” !!!
— 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”
****************************************************************
* 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”
______________________________________
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”
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”
A Classic For The Ages In The Bronx …
Before the first game of this four-game weekend series between the Yankees and Red Sox, the New York Yankees honored Muhammah Ali. Maybe the presence of this great boxing legend inspired both teams to treat this crucial series like a World Class Championship Boxing Match.
In the first game on Thursady night, both the Yankees and Red Sox slugged it out like an old-fashioned street brawl, battling on the field, and on the mound, to the final out when the Yankees were the last team standing, victorious with a 13-6 win.
The Bronx Bombers pounded out 18 hits, including four home runs, and put this game out of reach for the Sox with a power explosive eight-run third inning that moved the Yanks into a 9-3 lead at the time.
This inning was highlighted by a pair of three-run homers by Melky Cabrera and Jorge Posada, and basically ended future Hall of Famer John Smoltz’s comeback attempt, as the Boston starter was designated for assignment the following day.
The Yankees power surge also included a pair of solo homers by Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira that helped to hold off the Red Sox eight-hit attack, which included a homer by Dustin Pedroia, and a two-run homer by Boston newcomer Casey Kotchman.
The pitching in this game was awful by both teams, as all pitchers who took the mound struggled to keep runners off base and keep the score down. Yankee pitchers allowed 12 walks, and Red Sox hurlers gave up six base-on-balls.
Joba Chamberlain by far did not throw his best game, and got in and out of trouble in basically every inning he pitched. He was one hit or walk away from being taken out of this game before he completed a full five innings of work. But, Chamberlain (8-2) did hold on long enough to strike out the final two batters in a one-out, bases loaded situation in the top of the fifth that kept the score at 9-4 before he departed, which enabled him to be credited with the win.
So, this game ended up being a slugfest with the Yankees winning 13-6, to increase their lead to three and a half games over the second place Boston Red Sox.
A Classic Game For The Ages …
The second game of this “Summer Showdown”, Game #10 of the Yankees vs. Red Sox “Season Within A Season”, which was billed as a great pitching matchup between A.J. Burnett of the Yankees and Josh Beckett of the Red Sox, was just that, indeed.
Oh, boy, did this advance billing live up to all the hype.
Both pitchers were brilliant, engaged in an old-fashioned pitchers duel matching zero for zero on a perfect night for baseball in the Beautiful Bronx.
Josh Beckett thew 115 pitches over seven solid innings, allowing no runs, on four hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts.
A.J. Burnett was just as dominant, tossing 118 pitches throughout seven and two-third innings without allowing a run; while giving up only one hit, to Jacoby Ellsbury leading off the game; and, six walks, and six strikeouts.
The game entered the eight inning still tied 0-0 with the bullpen now in control of the outcome, as the sold-out crowd at Yankee Stadium was mesmerized by what was taking place on the basebll diamond in front of them.
Watching this game at home on the YES Network, I could feel the same tension and excitement as the faithful at the Stadium.
This game was like a Championship Fight, round by round, inning by inning, both the Yankees and Red Sox were battling for the prize — a victory, and another game up in the AL East standings.
Phil Hughes got the final out in the top of the eight inning, and it was now the battle of the bullpens as seven Red Sox relievers would continue the duel, pitch by pitch, out by out, with five pitchers out of the Yankees pen.
Mariano Riveria struck out two batters and closed out the ninth inning.
Alfredo Aceves turned in a solid effort pitching the 10th, 11th, and 12th innings, allowing only one hit, one walk, and striking out three, for the Yanks; while, Okajima, Bard, Ramirez, Papelbon, and Delcarmen also delivered scoreless performances for the Red Sox.
At the end of the 9th: 0-0
Extra innings ..
At the end of the 10th: 0-0
At the end of the 11th: 0-0
At the end of the 12th: 0-0
Brian Bruney, who has not been pitching well, took the mound for the Yanks in the top of the 13th; and, once again, the bullpen kept zero’s up on the scoreboard, as he retired the side in order, including two strikeouts. Saito also pitched a scoreless inning in the bottom of the 13th, moving the game into the 14th still tied: 0-0.
Bruney came out to start the 14th inning, and got into a little trouble when Kevin Youkilis doubled with one out. Then, after David Ortiz grounded out, the Yankees intentionally walked J.D. Drew that put two runners on base with two outs. But, Bruney retired the next batter Jason Varitek on a grounder to second for the final out of the inning.
In the bottom of the 14th, it looked like the Yankees would win the game when Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano hit back-to-back singles with one out against rookie reliever Junichi Tazawa who was making his first appearance in the Major Leagues.
Eric Hinski was up next and stroked a solid line drive to right field that had “game-winning” hit all over it. But, J.D. Drew made a great running catch for the second out that saved the game for the Red Sox at that point.
Melky Cabrera was now up, and lined a shot right down the right field line that landed just inches from being a fair ball RBI single that would have won the game. Oh, so close to winning the game. Tazawa then struck out Melky to end the inning, sending the game into the 15th still tied: 0-0.
Phil Coke pitched an easy one-two-three top of the 15th, moving the game into the bottom of inning still tied: 0-0.
The way this game was going, it looked like it would go on forever. But, if that was the case, I know, I for one, would be there for every pitch right to the end because this was one of the most exciting baseball games that I have ever seen, and the longer it went on, the more exciting it became.
The “Captain” Derek Jeter led off the bottom of the 15th with a bloop single to center field; and, after Damon grounded out, and Teixeira struckout, Alex Rodriguez was the next batter up with two outs and Tazawa still on the mound.
The crowd still could not believe what a special game and event they were watching, as Rodriguez stepped up to the plate to face the rookie reliever with the winning run on base.
First pitch. Ball
Next pitch. Strike, looking. (1-1)
Outside. Ball. (2-1)
The crowd is on its feet, cheering for a game-winning hit.
Tazawa sets himself on the mound.
The pitch, breaking ball over the middle off the plate …
And, there it goes …
A-Rod has done it,
A HOMERUN TO LEFTFIELD INTO THE RED SOX BULLPEN !!!
THE YANKEES WIN, THE YANKEES WIN, THE YANKEES WIN
The Yankees win one of the greatest games ever played, 2-0 !!!
And, all it took was five hours and 33 minutes, and two days to earn the victory.
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Yanks Sweep Twins; Tied For First With Red Sox
The New York Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Twins with a 6-4 win in an afternoon game in Minnesota that moved the Yanks a half game behind the Red Sox who were scheduled to play the K.C. Royals later that night at Fenway Park.
It was not a pretty win, but was a win, the Yanks 51st of the season, which became even more important when the Red Sox lost their game against the Royals 8-6, thus creating a tie at the top of the AL East with both the Yankees and Red Sox now sharing identical 51-34 records.
The Yankees now travel to the West Coast to continue their road trip with a three-game series against the L.A. Angels; as the Red Sox play the second of four games vs. the Royals in Boston.
At the end of baseball action on Sunday, there will either still be a tie in the AL East, or one of the two teams tied now will take the lead into the All-Star break.
The “race for first place” in the AL East is starting to heat up at the same time the days of summer are finally getting hotter. This race, between the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays, will go right down to the wire in the final weeks of September; and, October baseball is surely calling for two of these three great teams.
The end of the 2009 regular season will reveal which of the two teams will be headed into the American League playoffs. Of course, I envision the Yankees being one of those teams. I’m sure there are at least a few other varying opinions out there among my fellow mlbloggers. But, it will be a “fun” pennant race to watch.
Yesterday’s spot in the Yankees pitching rotation belonged to Chien-Ming Wang until he was injured in his last start. So, Joe Girardi gave this pitching assignment to Alfredo Aceves, an award for his fine performances of late, including a brilliant four-inning save in his previous appearance. Aceves has been a great addition to the pitching staff this year, working in short, middle, and long relief; and, now as a starter which is his natural position as a pitcher.
The first innings for both the Yankees and Twins started off very uneventfully; then, all the fun began in the second inning.
Alex Rodriguez led off the second with a walk off Twins starter, Francisco Lirano, which was the beginning of a very sloppy inning by the Twins.
Lirano hit the next batter, Jorge Posada; then, Robinson Cano reached first base on an error by second baseman Matt Tolbert that loaded the bases with no outs.
Melky Cabrera hit a short fly ball to right that was not long enough to advance any of the base runners for out number one.
The next batter, Cody Ransom, walked, to force in A-Rod from third base with the first run of the game. Brett Gardner then hit a force-play grounder that scored Posada, giving the Yanks a 2-0 lead with Derek Jeter coming up to the plate.
The “captain” blooped a RBI single into short right-center field that plated Cano with the Yankees third run.
The way this inning was going, it had to end on an equally unusual play; and, it did, when Lirano made an attempted pick-off throw to first, Gardner tried to steal home but was out on a very rare 1-3-2 play.
So, in an inning that the Yankees scored three runs on: a walk; hit-by-pitch; error; walk; force-play; and bloop single, it was only fitting that the inning ended on the base paths, with a runner being thrown out at the plate on an attempted steal of home, on a play that started with an attempted pick-off at first base.
Anyway, all that action added up to a 3-0 Yankees lead.
In the inspirational movie, “Rudy”, in one of the scenes during a football practice session, the Notre Dame coach says, “Sloppy, lets run it again”.
Well, in the bottom of the second inning it looked like it was a continuation of all the “sloppiness” of the top of the inning, but this time with the Yankees on the field.
After a long half an inning sitting of the bench, Aceves took the mound in the bottom of the second, and was greeted by a long, line drive, homerun to straight away centerfield, a ball that traveled 420 ft, by Jason Kubel leading off the inning.
Michael Cuddyer then walked, and advanced to second on a terrible pick-off attempt by Alfredo Aceves, who threw the ball way out of Teixeira’s reach.
Brian Buscher was up next, and hit a high pop-up in the direction of third and short that Ransom totally lost sight of looking up at the roof of the Metro Dome. But, Jeter drifted back, found the ball, and made the catch for the first out of the inning.
The next batter, Mike Redmond, then stroked a hard grounder to Ransom that hit the edge of part of the artifical turf surrounding third base, resulting in a bad hop that Ransom did field, but he made a very poor throw to first, for an error, that scored the second Twins run.
Aceves retired the final two batters without any further damage, keeping the Yankees lead at 3-2.
The game moved into the 4th inning after a scoreless third by both teams.
The Yankees put together a nice rally in the top of the 4th, that started with a single by Posada, followed by a double by Cano.
After Melky Cabrera made the first out, the Yanks scored two runs on back-to-back RBI singles by Cody Ransom and Brett Gardner. The rally was ended when Jeter hit into a 4-6-3 double play; but, the Yanks increased their lead to 5-2.
The bottom of the 4th turned out to be another “sloppy” inning for the Yankees.
Aceves retired the first batter, Kubel, on a easy infield dribbler in front of catcher Jorge Posada who made the throw to Teixeira for the out.
The next hitter, Michael Caddyer, blasted a shot off the top part of the left field wall for a double. The ball missed going out of the park by inches. Buscher then singled setting up a first and third situation with no outs. Aceves then hit the next batter, Redmond, to load the bases. Alfredo Aceves’ day was now finished after only 3.1 ineffective innings when Girardi replaced him with David Robertson.
Robertson struck out Nick Punto for out number two.
But, after the strikeout, Robertson continued the theme of the game by walking Denard Span on four pitches forcing in the Twins third run; and, also, walking the next batter, Matt Tolbert, cutting the Yankees lead to 5-4.
The bases were still loaded with the very tough hitter Joe Mauer coming up to the plate; but, Robertson got out of the jam by getting Mauer to hit a third out grounder to second.
The game now entered the top of the fifth, and after one out, Mark Teixeira hit a long homer into the left field seats that upped the Bronx Bombers lead to 6-4. This was Teixeira’s 21st homerun of the year, and his first in 95 at-bats. This run also completed the scoring in this game.
Both bullpens were very effective the rest of the way holding the score at 6-4 as the game entered the bottom of the 9th inning.
The “Great Mariano” was now on the mound for the Yankees, and pitched a scoreless inning to protect the Yanks 6-4 victory. Marinao Rivera now has 23 saves.
The winning pitcher was Jonathan Albaladejo, who increased his record to 4-1.
This was a big win for the Yankees, and a great sweep of the Twins.
The road is looking very nice for the New York Yankees so far on this trip.
And, the view is even more beautiful at the top of the AL East.
AL EAST STANDINGS (at the end of baseball action, 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
“Go Yankees”
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
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”
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 