Tagged: Phil Coke
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 …
Three Hits By The “Captain”, Ties The “Captain” …
The “Captain” Derek Jeter collected three hits in the Yankees 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in the final game of their four-game series at Yankee Stadium [which was swept by the Yanks], that tied the Yankees first “Captain”, Hall of Famer, Lou Gehrig, on top of the New York Yankees all-time hit list with 2,721 hits.
Derek Jeter
Jeter led off the game with a surprise bunt single on the first pitch by Rays starting pitcher Jeff Niemann that ended the captain’s 0-12 hitless streak.
In the third inning Jeter grounded out to short.
In the fifth inning Derek blasted a shot to straight away centerfield that sailed over the head of B.J. Upton before taking a bounce over the wall for a grounds-rule double.
And, finally, in the bottom of the seventh Jeter stroked a two-out, first pitch, single, past first base down the right field line for his Gehrig tying 2,721th hit.
Lou Gehrig
In the meantime, as this game headed into the eight inning, the Yankees were losing 2-0 to the Rays.
Without doubt, Jeter was happy that he had tied the “Great” Lou Gehrig’s all-time hit record; but, I’m sure Derek would be the first one to tell anybody: a Yankees loss would certainly take the shine off this outstanding accomplishment.
The Yankees had this in mind also, and, once again, provided some late-inning dramatics by first scoring a run in the eight that made the score 2-1, before Jorge Posada hit a solid line drive, one-out, three-run homer, off reliever Grant Balfour, into the lower right-field porch that moved the Bronx Bombers into a 4-2 lead.
Posada’s 21st homer kept the inning going; and, after Melky Cabrera made the second out, Derek Jeter had one more chance to travel past Gehrig’s hit record in this game.
Jeter had a couple of good cuts at the plate, but was walked on a 3-2 count by Balfour.
So, Derek would remain tied with Lou Gehrig until at least Friday night, September 11th, when the Yankees start a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles at The Stadium.
The Yankees took their 4-2 lead into the top of the ninth inning; and, in a game that the “Joba Rules” once again limited Joba Chamberlain to only three innings on the mound, [in which he allowed both Tampa Bay runs in the first inning], the Yankees relievers: Alfredo Aceves, Jonathan Albaladejo (5-1), Brian Bruney, and Phil Coke, held the Rays hitless from the fourth inning on, with Coke earning his second save by closing out this win on a final out strikeout.
On this historic night that Derek Jeter tied the “Iron Horse”, Lou Gehrig’s all-time hit record, the Yankees 4-2 victory which completed a four-game sweep over the Tampa Bay Rays, made this special accomplishment even more “special”.
In Mike Puma’s New York Post article, Derek Jeter expressed his feelings on tying Lou Gehrig’s record:
“I was a Yankee fan growing up and to come up through this organization and what [Gehrig] stood for, being the captain, he’s probably one of the classiest people ever to play the game” … “To be alongside him, pretty much anything you can do to have your name next to his is quite an accomplishment” …
“We had so many special moments across the street”, Jeter said … “This is hopefully the first of many memorable moments here at the new Stadium. The fans have been tremendous and it’s just a lot of fun.”
— photo credits:
* google images
* photos. nj. com/star-ledger/2009/09/derek_jeter
* http:// yankeeology. com/yankeefans
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Yankees Sweep Orioles; Magic Number Is 23
Almost Perfect Andy Spins A Gem …
Andy Pettitte was masterful on the mound in the first game of this three-game series against the Orioles, almost tossing a perfect game in the Yankees 5-1 victory at Camden Yards in Baltimore.
Pettitte retired 20 straight batters until Adam Jones hit a grounder to third base that traveled through Jerry Hairston’s legs for an error with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning that ended Andy’s bid for perfection.
There was still a no-hitter on the board, though, that was broken by next batter Nick Markakis on an opposite field single, past third base, down the left field line that made this game even more interesting. The game was now “on the line” with the go-ahead run coming up to the plate with runners on first and second, two outs, and the Yanks leading 2-0.
But, Pettitte protected the shutout by retiring the final batter Nolan Reimold, on a full-count, ground out to Derek Jeter at short.
Nick Swisher (3-for-4), put the Yanks in the 2-0 lead with a solo homer (#22), in the third, and a RBI double in the fifth. And, the Bronx Bombers gave Pettitte a little more breathing room by scoring three runs in the top of the eight on a RBI single by Johnny Damon, and a two-RBI double by Robinson Cano that increased their lead to 5-0.
The shutout was wiped off the scoreboard in the bottom of the eight inning when Pettitte gave up a solo homer to Melvin Mora that cut the Yankees lead to 5-1.
Andy Pettitte (12-6), finished his brilliant performance with 104 pitches thrown over eight spectacular innings, allowing one run, two hits, no walks, while striking out eight.
After the game, Jorge Posada said, this may have been Pettitte’s best start, as he could not remember Andy ever having that good of a game.
Brian Bruney was called into this game at the start of the ninth but could not close out the victory. He put two runners on base on a single and walk with one out, which resulted in Mariano Rivera having to take the mound.
The “Great Mariano” retired the final two batters to preserve this 5-1 Yankees victory, recording his 37th save.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 5, Orioles 1
Five Homers Power Yanks 9-6 Win Over Orioles …
In a game that Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett was “awful”, lasting only 5.1 innings, while allowing six runs, on eleven hits, two walks, and two strike outs, the Bronx Bombers won their fifth game in a row on a power surge of “five” home runs that led to a 9-6 victory in the middle game of their three-game series vs. the Orioles.
Robinson Cano (3-for-4), two runs, two RBI’s, hit his 22nd homer.
Jorge Posada (2-for-4), three runs, three RBI’s, hit two homers (#18, 19).
Nick Swisher hit homer number 23.
Eric Hinske hit his 6th homer as a Yankee.
This game started out poorly for A.J. Burnett right from the first inning when Felix Pie hit a homer that gave the O’s an early 1-0 lead.
Robinson Cano then hit a two-run homer in the second, and Posada hit a solo shot in the third that gave the Bombers the 3-1 lead in this contest.
The Orioles tied the score 3-3 in the bottom of the third before Posada hit his second home run of the night that moved the Yanks back into the lead at 5-3.
But, A.J. once again could not hold the score as Luke Scott sent a soaring three-run blast out of the ballpark over the right field wall onto Eutaw Street to give the O’s a 6-5 advantage, and basically ended Burnett’s time on the mound in this game.
In his last seven starts, A.J. Burnett is 0-4 with a 6.54 ERA; and, when the Yankees tied the score 6-6 in the top of the sixth, this took Burnett off the hook for the loss. But, a “no decision”, or loss, is not what is expected from one of our top free-agent signings every time he takes the mound.
The Yankee bats are hot, though; and, back to back homers by Nick Swisher (two-run blast, his 20th road homer), and Eric Hinske’s solo shot in the top of the seventh, moved the Bombers into the lead for good with the score now 9-6.
The bullpen held the lead the rest of the way, as Marte (1-1), Robertson, and Coke built a solid “Bridge to Marinao” who recorded his 38th save tossing a scoreless ninth inning that closed out the Yankees 9-6 win.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 9, Orioles 6
CC Rides to 16th win as Yanks Beat O’s 10-2 …
The Baltimore Orioles scored a run in the bottom of the first, and Eric Hinske tied the score 1-1 with a homer (#7) in the third which was all the scoring through the first six innings of this game.
Then, in the seventh, Johnny Damon walked; Nick Swisher doubled; and both scored on a single by Alex Rodriguez that gave the Yanks a 3-1 lead.
For A-Rod, that was his second single of the game, his first being his 2,500th career hit in the fifth inning.
In the meantime, CC Sabathia (16-7), pitched a very solid game, throwing 105 pitches over seven great innings of work, allowing one run, on seven hits, one walk, and nine strikeouts.
Brian Bruney replaced Sabathia at the start of the eight inning, and he was ineffective once again as he promptly gave up a solo homer to Nolan Reimold (#13), that cut the Yankees lead to 3-2.
Bruney was awarded his 9th “hold” for his one-third of an inning on the mound which is a totally ridiculous stat in this situation.
A “hold” is given when a reliever holds the lead of his team when he makes an appearance in a game. In my view, though, a “hold” should only be awarded when a reliever holds the lead by not allowing any runs to score during his time in the game.
Anyway, Brian Bruney was not effective once again out of the bullpen. That is the most important stat that should concern Joe Girardi, as well as, all Yankee fans, as we go forward in this pennant drive.
Phil Coke and Phil Hughes retired the final two batters of the eight, moving this game into the top of the ninth with the Yanks still leading 3-2.
In the ninth, the Bombers broke this game wide open by sending 12 batters up to the plate scoring seven runs which included another two-RBI single by Alex Rodriguez.
This ninth-inning outburst by the Bronx Bombers capped the scoring in this game, framing the Yankees 10-2 lead.
Phil Hughes pitched a scoreless ninth inning to preserve this Yankees victory, earning his second save of the season.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 10, Orioles 2
The first place New York Yankees now have a record of (85-48), and a seven and a half game lead over the second place Boston Red Sox (77-55) in the AL East.
This places the Yankees “magic number” at 23 games.
Any combination of 23 Yankees wins, and, or, Red Sox losses will clinch first place in the AL East for the New York Yankees.
“Go Yankees” !!!
— 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”
Yankees Begin New Streak With 4-2 Win Over Jays
About 18 hours after the Yankees seven-game winning streak ended with an 8-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners, the Yanks began a new winning streak, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-2, in the first game of a four-game, 4th of July Holiday weekend series, on a beautiful Friday afternoon in the “Beautiful Bronx”.
Yankees starting pitcher, A.J. Burnett (7-4), was brilliant in his seven innings on the mound, allowing the only two runs the Jays scored, on six hits, [including a long homerun off the bat of Blue Jays centerfielder, Vernon Wells, in the 6th inning]; two walks; and, seven strikeouts.
Burnett’s solid effort got the Yankees back on the winning track, after an awful pitching performance by CC Sabathia in the Yankees 8-4 loss to the Mariners, in the final game of that series, that derailed the Bombers winning ways until today’s victory.
Sabathia (7-5), lasted only 5.2 innings in his losing start, while giving up six runs, on ten hits, three walks, and eight strikeouts.
A.J. Burnett’s victory tied him with CC Sabathia at seven wins apiece, so far, in their first season with the New York Yankees. Andy Pettitte leads the Yankees pitching staff with eight wins.
It is interesting, the Yankees almost let Andy Pettitte walk away from the team, just like they did with Bobby Abreu. But, Andy has pitched very well, and is on pace to win 17-18 games. I think it would have also been a good idea to re-sign Abreu, who would “still” be the Yankees best all-around outfielder if he was on the team this year. Just Saying.
Anyway, back to this game.
Robinson Cano gave the Yankees an early 1-0 lead with a solo homer, his 13th, in the second inning.
The Jays tied it up with a RBI single by Alex Rios in the 4th.
And, the Yankees took the lead again in the 5th, on a bases-loaded walk to Mark Teixeira off Jays starter Brian Tallet; and, a passed ball by catcher Raul Chavez that scored Johnny Damon, moving the Yanks into the 3-1 lead.
Vernon Wells 6th inning homer cut the Yankees lead to 3-2, and completed the scoring for the Blue Jays.
Brian Tallet (5-6), finished his work on the mound for the Jays after six innings. He allowed three runs (two earned), on six hits, four walks, and three strikeouts.
After seven strong innings pitched by A.J. Burnett, manager Joe Girardi made the call to the bullpen at the start of the 8th and brought Phil Coke into the game to face one batter, who Coke retired.
Phil Hughes was then called into the game, and recorded the final two outs of the inning, after also giving up a hit. Hughes was firing 96 mph fastballs up to the plate during his appearance, and may have moved ahead of Brian Bruney as the eight-inning set-up man, building the “Bridge to Mariano”.
Alex Rodriguez capped off the scoring by the Yanks with an opposite field solo homerun into the right field seats, his 14th of the season and 222th of his Yankees career, that moved A-Rod into ninth place on the Yankees all-time homerun list, tying the great Yankees first baseman, Don Mattingly.
The Yankees now had a little more breathing room with the 4-2 lead; and, “The Great Mariano” was called into the game to preserve the victory.
Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect 9th inning, recording his 21st save of the year, and career save number 503, protecting the Yankees 4-2 win.
All winning streaks begin with the “first win” of the streak.
The Yankees have now started another winning streak with their 46th victory this season.
Side Note: I watched this game on the Yes Network, and clearly in sight during the game were these two guys sitting in seats right behind home plate dressed in full umpire uniforms, masks and all. They actually looked like real umpires.
Throughout the game, these guys were calling balls and strikes along with the home plate ump, even standing up to call batters out on third strike calls. This was one of the most bizarre sights I have even seen at a ballpark.
I don’t know who these guys were, or where they came from, or even if they are Yankee fans. But, they both were sitting in $1,250.00 seats, and looked like they were having a good time every time they were shown on the television screen by the Yes Network.
All I know, the night before, Jack Nicholson was at the Yankee game, sunglasses and all, and was also sitting in one of the seats behind home plate, in just about the same area these “fake” umpires were sitting, at today’s game.
Jack looked as “cool” as ever, as opposed to the very puzzling behavior of the two guys dressed as umpires.
As famous New York Post columnist Cindy Adams would say, “Only in New York, kids, only in New York.”
Everybody, have a “Happy” and “Safe”, 4th of July, Holiday weekend !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L”
Three Home Runs Power Yanks To 7th Straight Win
Andy Pettitte threw 98 pitches over seven solid innings on the mound against the Seattle Mariners, allowing two runs, on six hits, one walk, and six strikeouts, in route to the Yankees seventh win in a row.
This victory brings Pettitte’s record to 8-3; and, the Yankees record to 45-32.
The Bronx Bombers remain in second place in the AL East, 2.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox, who won a very dramatic 6-5 extra innings game against the Baltimore Orioles yesterday, after being down 5-1 going into the 8th inning.
The Sox scored four runs in the 8th to tie the score; and, then, scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th, to take the 6-5 lead which was preserved by Boston’s closer, Jonathan Papelbon.
Andy Pettitte and the Yankees got all the support they needed in this game on three home runs, and solid performances from the bullpen.
Johnny Damon put the Yankees on the scoreboard first with a solo homerun, his 15th, in the third inning, off the Mariners starter Jarrod Washburn. Damon is certainly on pace to hit over 30 homers this season.
Seattle scored a run in the top of the 4th to tie the game 1-1.
Melky Cabrera moved the Yanks back into the lead with a towering solo blast over the left field foul pole in the bottom of the 5th off Washburn.
Melky’s 8th homer of the year had to be reviewed on videotape by the umpires; but, after a quick two minute look by the umps, the ball was ruled fair, and the homerun counted, adding another run on the board for the Yanks, giving them a 2-1 lead.
In the top of the 6th inning, after Pettitte retired the first two batters, Ken Griffey, Jr. hit a solo homer into the short right field porch, his 10th of the season and 621st of his career, to tie the game 2-2.
Then, in the bottom of the 6th, the Yankees took the lead once again, this time for good, when Mark Teixeira singled, and was driven home on a long two-run homer, over the centerfield wall, by Alex Rodriguez, his 13th of the year and 566th of his career.
This was the third homerun of the game given up by Jarrod Washburn (L, 4-6), as the Yankees completed the scoring in their 4-2 win.
The “Bridge to Mariano” was successfully built by Alfredo Aceves, who retired the lead off batter in the 8th, the only batter he faced; and, Phil Coke, who retired the final two batters of the inning.
Enter “Sandman”, the “great” Mariano Rivera, in the top of the 9th inning, who closed out this very “crisp”, 2 hour 17 minute, Yankees victory, recording his 20th save of the season, and 502nd of his “Hall of Fame” career.
The Yankees go for their 8th win in a row, tonight, in the final game of this three game series against the Seattle Mariners, with CC Sabathia (7-4, 3.55), taking the mound for the Yanks, pitching against the Mariners scheduled starter, Jason Vargas, (3-3, 3.79).
Go Yankees !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “BY&L”
Interleague Play Finally Over; Yanks Win 6th In-A-Row
Well, it has been awhile since my last post, and I am happy to be back at my mlblog as the 2009 Interleague Schedule of games has finally ended while the New York Yankees have a six game winning streak going, that has moved the Bronx Bombers to only 2.5 games behind the first place Boston Red Sox.
The Yanks were helped by Boston, as the Red Sox blew a 10-1 lead in yesterday’s game against the last place Baltimore Orioles, losing 11-10, in the biggest comeback in the Orioles history.
No further commentary on this loss by the Red Sox, as these type of games happen to all teams throughtout each season. But, the Division Race in the AL East continues to tighten, with the following Standings as of the morning of July 1, 2009 …
Red Sox 47-30 .610 —
Yankees 44-32 .579 2.5
Rays 44-35 .557 4.0
Blue Jays 41-38 .519 7.0
Orioles 35-42 .455 12.0
Since the Yankees 9-8 win over the New York Mets on June 12th, on the now infamous dropped pop-up by Luis Castillo, with the Mets leading 8-7, with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, the Yanks are 10-6 throughout the last 16 games, which includes …
* Winning two of the three games against the Mets at Yankee Stadium [June 12-13-14th], including a 15-0 shutout victory in the final game of that series.
* Losing two of three games vs. the Washington Nationals [June 16-17-18th], that included my first visit to the new Yankee Stadium for the second game of this series, a very tough 3-2 loss by the Yanks; and, also, meeting our #1 blogger here at mlblogs, Jane Heller of “Confessions of a She-Fan” , for her book signing at Stan’s Bar before the game. Meeting Jane, her husband Michael, and some of her family members was the highlight on my first trip to the new Stadium; and, I will always cherish my signed copy of Jane’s excellent book, which is a “great read” and a book that I highly recommend to be read by all — Yankee fans and other baseball fans, alike.
Then, the Yankees embarked on a “nine-game” road trip in three National League ballparks that would close-out the 2009 Interleague schedule …
* The trip did not start out well, as the Yankees lost two of the three games they played vs. the Florida Marlins on June 19-20-21st.
* After an off day on Monday June 22nd, the Yanks lost their third straight game on this trip, a 4-0 shutout at the hands of the Atlanta Braves. But, the Bombers recovered nicely, winning the next two games, 8-4, and 11-7, that made their trip back to New York to play the Mets at Citi Field [for the first time], a very nice plane ride indeed.
* The Yankees totally dominated the Mets in this three-game series, on June 26-27-28th, sweeping their cross-town rivals, 9-1, in the first game; 5-0, in the middle game; and, 4-2, in the final game, in which the “great” Mariano Rivera recorded his 500th career save. This sweep gave the Bronx Bombers a 5-1 winning record in the 2009 version of the “Subway Series”; and, also, a five-game winning streak as the Yanks headed back to the “Beautiful Bronx” to start a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.
After a well-deserved off-day on Monday June 29th, the Yankees were ready to play the final game in the month of June on Tuesday, with Joba Chamberlain (4-2, 3.81) taking the mound for the Yanks, against the Mariners Brandon Morrow (0-3, 5.64).
As has been the case for most of the days this June, there was a late afternoon rain-storm that delayed the start of the game for about a hour. But, the rain finally ended; and, hopefully, will not continue at the same pace in the upcoming summer months.
Before the game started, Mariano Rivera was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch in recognition of his 500th career save.
Then the game began, jockeying back-and-forth with the Yankees taking an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second; Seattle cutting the lead to 2-1 in the third; the Yanks increasing their lead to 3-1 in the 4th; and, the Mariners tying the score 3-3 in the top of the 5th.
Joba Chamberlain’s work was finished after only 5.1 innings, in which he had an average outing, allowing three runs, on nine hits, three walks, and four strikeouts.
Phil Coke relieved Joba, and closed out the 6th inning without any further damage.
Phil Hughes then entered the game in the top of the 7th, and pitched a solid scoreless inning, retiring the side on only nine pitches, setting up Alex Rodriguez’s two-run homerun in the bottom of the 7th that moved the Yankees back into the lead, 5-3.
At this point, in the top of the 8th, Joe Girardi decided to replace Hughes with the “eight-inning”, “set-up man” of the moment, Brian Bruney, who has not been as effective as expected since his return from the disabled-list.
If Phil Hughes had a rough outing, throwing 30 or more piches in the 7th, Girardi’s decision would have been justified; but, Hughes threw only “nine” very effective pitches.
Surely, Phil Hughes had earned another inning on the mound in this game, as he had started a very solid and secure “Bridge to Mariano”, a bridge that Hughes should have been allowed to complete.
But, since it is now “in vogue” to over-manage, especially, over-using the bullpen, Manager Girardi decided to bring Bruney into the game to protect the Yankees 5-3 lead in the top of the 8th inning.
Bruney gave up three straight singles that reduced the Yankees lead to 5-4; then, after a sac bunt by Ronny Cedeno and an intentional walk to Ichiro, the Mariners tied the score 5-5 on a sac fly.
The “Bridge” had fallen.
With the Yankees five-game winning streak on the line, Hideki Matsui led off the bottom of the 8th with a double, and advanced to third on a bunt single by Nick Swisher.
Melky Cabrera was up next, and once again [this year] delivered a big clutch hit, stroking a go-ahead, RBI double, that scored Brett Gardner, who was pinch-running for Matsui, and advanced Swisher to third, giving the Yankees a 6-5 lead in the game.
The Mariners brought the infield in with Derek Jeter coming up to the plate, and the “captain” promptly blooped a two-RBI single into the outfield to increase the Yanks lead to 8-5.
Mariano Rivera preserved the Yankees 8-5 victory by pitching a scoreless 9th inning for his 19th save of the year, and career save number 501.
It was very appropriate that Mariano threw out the first in this game, and, also, threw the final pitch, in the Yankees sixth straight win.
The Yankees go for their seventh win-in-a-row, tonight, against the Mariners, at the new Stadium.
Now, only if the rain will stay away ?
It is July … So, that’s a good sign !!!
Enjoy the game !!!
Go Yankees !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Yankees Head Into Boston In First Place In AL East
Four Yankee homeruns.
A great pitching effort by Yankees starter Andy Pettitte.
Solid performances by three relievers out of the Yankees bullpen, including a save by Mariano Rivera.
All add up to a 5-3 New York Yankees win over the Tampa Bay Rays, last night, at the new Yankee Stadium in the beautiful Bronx.
Oh, yeah, the victory also increased the Yankees lead to one full game over the second place Boston Red Sox in the AL East.
So, as of June 9, 2009, the standings in the AL East are as follows …
Yankees 34-23 .596 —
Red Sox 33-24 .579 1.0
Blue Jays 33-27 .550 2.5
Rays 29-33 .492 6.0
Orioles 24-33 .421 10.0
The Yankees now travel up to Boston to play the Red Sox in a very important three-game series at Fenway Park with “first place” on the line in the AL East.
Boston has won the first “five” games of the 2009 version of the Yankees vs. Red Sox “Season Within A Season” series; but, the Yankees hope to open up their lead in the AL East to “four” games with a sweep of the rival Sox.
Playoff baseball in June. It doesn’t get much better then that.
The Bronx Bombers are playing much better “ball” then the last time they played the Red Sox, and look to continue their solid play on the field at Fenway.
Homeruns by Mark Teixeira (#18 in the 1st); Nick Swisher (#12, two-run HR in the 2nd); Johnny Damon (#12 in the 6th); and, Derek Jeter (#8 in th 8th), accounted for all five Yankee runs, which was all the support Andy Pettitte needed to record his 6th win of the year.
The Yankees have now hit 92 total homeruns in the 57 games they played this year; and, with the four Yankee HR’s and one Rays homer hit in the game, there have now been a total of 105 homeruns hit in the 29 games at the new Yankee Stadium, so far.
Yes, the baseballs continue to travel far into the seats, soaring through the air, powered by the new “launching pad” at the new Stadium in the Bronx.
Pettitte (6-2) threw a solid six innings, allowing three runs (two earned); on five hits; three walks; and seven strikeouts.
The only trouble Andy had was in the top of the 4th inning, when the Rays tied the score 3-3 on a RBI single by Michel Hernandez that plated Ben Zobrist, who reached first on an Alex Rodriguez error; and, a two-run homer by Gabe Kapler.
Andy Sonnanstine (4-6) started for the Rays, and allowed all five Yankee runs in his seven innings of work, on six hits (including the four homers), two walks, and one strikeout.
After Pettitte completed his six innings on the mound, the Yankees bullpen took over and it was lights out the rest of the way.
Phil Hughes was very impressive pitching a scoreless 7th inning.
Phil Coke tossed a scoreless 8th inning.
And, “The Great Mariano” closed out this well-played Yankees victory, throwing a perfect 9th inning for his 14th save, preserving the Yanks 34th win of 2009.
It is a very nice view at the top of the AL East for all in the Yankees Universe.
Bullpen Awful In Yanks 10-2 Opening Day Loss
Everything was perfect at the home opener of the new Yankee Stadium, except for the final score.
Up to the 6th inning, both starters, CC Sabathia for the Yankees, and Cliff Lee for the Cleveland Indians were engaged in a pitching duel — battling on the mound to the tune of a 1-1 tied score.
But, with two outs and a runner on first in the top of the 6th inning, manager Joe Girardi replaced CC with reliever Edwar Ramirez. An error by Cody Ransom and a single by Trevor Crowe loaded the bases which led to Girardi bringing Phil Coke into the game.
Coke was “the real thing” retiring Grady Sizemore on a fly ball to leftfield ending the Indians rally to keep the scored tied at 1-1.
Sabathia was not lights out in this game; but, after an easy 1-2-3 first inning, he did manage to strand two Cleveland runners on base in each of the second, third, and forth innings. CC threw 122 pitches in his 5.2 innings of work, allowing only one run, on five hits, five walks, and four strikeouts. A very solid effort by the Yankees “ace”.
Over the first six innings, Cliff Lee, (W, 1-2), was just as solid as Mr. Sabathia, throwing 115 pitches, while giving up one run, on seven hits, three base-on-balls, and four strikeouts.
The Indians scored the first run of the game in the fourth on a RBI double by Kelly Shoppach.
Then, in the bottom of the 5th inning, Jorge Posada tied the score 1-1, on a long homerun to straight away centerfield — the first homer at the new Stadium.
So, as the game entered the top of the 7th inning all the action on the field pointed to a very dramatic finish, that hopefully would end with a Yankee victory closed out by the Great Mariano out of the bullpen.
The “Bridge to Mariano” collapsed, though, in the top of the 7th inning.
Jose Veras, (L, 0-1), the third Yankee reliever of the game, was brought into start the 7th, and the destruction of the bridge, and the great pitching performance by CC Sabathia, and ultimately the game, began.
Veras did not record any outs in his brief time on the mound, as he allowed a lead off walk to Mark DeRosa, a double to Victor Martinez, and a two-RBI double to Jhonny Peralta, that increased the Indians lead to 3-1.
More disturbing about Veras’ poor performance was what Jose said after the game. He was quoted in George King’s New York Post article, saying, “it’s better to be bad now than later in the season when the team needs me.”
Excuse me! Veras didn’t think the Yankees needed him, yesterday, with the score tied 1-1, in the 7th inning of the home opener at the new Yankee Stadium ??? I don’t know, maybe, I’m missing something, there?
This resulted in Girardi bringing Damaso Marte into the game.
Marte didn’t build a bridge to Mariano, either. Instead, he helped build up the run total of the Indians even more, turning a 3-1 game into a 10-1 laugher, when he allowed six runs, on three hits, a walk, and hit-by-pitch, including a grand slam to Grady Sizemore, and a solo homer to the next batter Mark DeRosa.
Not much more to say after the disgraceful performances by Veras and Marte.
The Yankees scored a run in the bottom of the 7th on a RBI by Robinson Cano, who was 3-for-4, with a walk, to complete the 10-2 score in this game.
Not a great way to open the new Yankee Stadium, with a very embarrassing 10-2 loss by the New York Yankees.
Otherwise, it was a perfect day.
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 