Posted by: Seamus
Just about everything clicked tonight for the second time in three nights and the Yankees beat the Rangers by a score of 9–2 to take the rubber game in a three-game set against the first place Rangers. The win, coupled with a loss by Boston puts the Yankees in a first place tie with the Red Sox and ironically also puts them just a half game behind Texas for the best record in the American League.
It was another big night for the Yankee lineup, as they just poured it on the young Derek Holland as well as the Ranger bullpen. Derek Jeter went 3-3, Hideki Matsui hit two home runs, and MarK Teixeira and Robinson Cano each homered as well in the Yankees' 9-run, 15-hit effort. Every Yankee starter had a hit in the game with the exception of Johnny Damon, who was 0-5. Jeter's three hits extended his hitting streak to 11 games, Teixeira pulled to within one home run of Carlos Pena for the A.L. home run lead, and Cano's two hits brought his average back up to .320.
A.J. Burnett pitched his best game since April 14, which had been his last victory and also a game where he took a no-hitter into the 7th. There was no such drama this time around, but Burnett did allow only three hits in six shutout innings. The only offense Texas got was a two-run homer by Ian Kinsler off of Jose Veras, who continues to struggle.
Another sight for sore eyed Yankee fans occurred in the final two innings of the game, when Chien-Ming Wang came in and pitched two scoreless, hitless, walkless innings. Wang struck out two batters and got his E.R.A. down to a miniscule 20.45.
The Yankees have altered wins and losses everyday since that Friday night loss against the Phillies that ended their 9-game win streak, but the Yankees did dominate this series in Texas. The Yanks outhit their opponents by a whopping 47–18 margin and outscored them 23–10. Leaving 12 men on base on Tuesday night was the difference between a sweep and winning two out of three.
The Yankees will have the day off tomorrow before heading into Cleveland for a four-game series with the Indians. The pitching matchup for Friday night should be a good one, as Andy Pettitte will take the mound to face reigning Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee and the Tribe. Game starts at 7:05 ET.
Recap records: Patrick: 13–7, Seamus: 11–9, Andrew: 3–4
It was another big night for the Yankee lineup, as they just poured it on the young Derek Holland as well as the Ranger bullpen. Derek Jeter went 3-3, Hideki Matsui hit two home runs, and MarK Teixeira and Robinson Cano each homered as well in the Yankees' 9-run, 15-hit effort. Every Yankee starter had a hit in the game with the exception of Johnny Damon, who was 0-5. Jeter's three hits extended his hitting streak to 11 games, Teixeira pulled to within one home run of Carlos Pena for the A.L. home run lead, and Cano's two hits brought his average back up to .320.
A.J. Burnett pitched his best game since April 14, which had been his last victory and also a game where he took a no-hitter into the 7th. There was no such drama this time around, but Burnett did allow only three hits in six shutout innings. The only offense Texas got was a two-run homer by Ian Kinsler off of Jose Veras, who continues to struggle.
Another sight for sore eyed Yankee fans occurred in the final two innings of the game, when Chien-Ming Wang came in and pitched two scoreless, hitless, walkless innings. Wang struck out two batters and got his E.R.A. down to a miniscule 20.45.
The Yankees have altered wins and losses everyday since that Friday night loss against the Phillies that ended their 9-game win streak, but the Yankees did dominate this series in Texas. The Yanks outhit their opponents by a whopping 47–18 margin and outscored them 23–10. Leaving 12 men on base on Tuesday night was the difference between a sweep and winning two out of three.
The Yankees will have the day off tomorrow before heading into Cleveland for a four-game series with the Indians. The pitching matchup for Friday night should be a good one, as Andy Pettitte will take the mound to face reigning Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee and the Tribe. Game starts at 7:05 ET.
Recap records: Patrick: 13–7, Seamus: 11–9, Andrew: 3–4
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham has some updates on the injury front.
Following last night's injury, Melky Cabrera had an MRI and has an appointment with the team doctor tomorrow in New York. Right now, he is looking at missing 5-7 days. It it goes longer, Abraham says the team will DL him and most likely call up an infielder. Ramiro Pena has been seen taking some outfield drills, as well.
Brian Bruney has his appointment with Dr. James Andrews and he checked out OK - apparently his pain is due to a muscle strain. He'll be resting and Abraham says he'll most likely miss at least 2-3 weeks.
FInally, Jorge Posada will be back on Friday, barring any strangeness.
Following last night's injury, Melky Cabrera had an MRI and has an appointment with the team doctor tomorrow in New York. Right now, he is looking at missing 5-7 days. It it goes longer, Abraham says the team will DL him and most likely call up an infielder. Ramiro Pena has been seen taking some outfield drills, as well.
Brian Bruney has his appointment with Dr. James Andrews and he checked out OK - apparently his pain is due to a muscle strain. He'll be resting and Abraham says he'll most likely miss at least 2-3 weeks.
FInally, Jorge Posada will be back on Friday, barring any strangeness.
Posted by: Patrick
Tuesday night's game, originally slated for 8:05 PM ET, did not get started until around 10:30 thanks to rain. When it finally did get started, Joba Chamberlain didn't get off to a great start, ballooning his pitch count to 84 in just four innings. He was removed after that, having allowed 3 earned runs on 4 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 5.
The Yankees first run of the game would come in the fifth, when Mark Teixeira took a ball deep to right for a solo home run. They would tie the game up in the sixth, as doubles by Hideki Matsui and Francisco Cervelli would score Brett Gardner and Matsui, respectively.
Unfortunately, the Rangers would regain the lead right away, as Aceves allowed a two out RBI single in the bottom of the sixth. To start the seventh, he allowed a single and a double, putting runners on second and third with no outs. That would be the end of his day as Phil Coke would enter.
Coke didn't allow a hit... and yet two runs still scored. First, a ground out brought around one runner and then, after an intentional walk to put runners on the corners, a sac fly brought in a second.
The Rangers would add one more off of Coke with a solo home run to start the eighth, bringing Dave Robertson into the game. Robertson retired the three batters he faced and the Yankees went down fairly quietly in the ninth, pushing the game to a close with the Rangers winning, 7-3.
Physically, Joba felt great, which is good news. But, there was bad news as well - in the first inning, going back on a fly ball, Melky collided awkwardly with the outfield wall, straining his right shoulder (video).
MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports that he underwent a fluoro exam, which came back negative and he will have an MRI today. The center fielder feels like it'll be a couple of days.
Brett Gardner replaced Melky and didn't waste the opportunity, leading the Yankees with three hits and scoring a run. Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Hideki Matsui all had two hits.
The Yankees and Rangers will play today at 8:05 PM ET as A.J. Burnett (2-2, 5.28) will go against Derek Holland (1-1, 4.82).
Recap records: Patrick: 13–7, Seamus: 10–9, Andrew: 3–4.
The Yankees first run of the game would come in the fifth, when Mark Teixeira took a ball deep to right for a solo home run. They would tie the game up in the sixth, as doubles by Hideki Matsui and Francisco Cervelli would score Brett Gardner and Matsui, respectively.
Unfortunately, the Rangers would regain the lead right away, as Aceves allowed a two out RBI single in the bottom of the sixth. To start the seventh, he allowed a single and a double, putting runners on second and third with no outs. That would be the end of his day as Phil Coke would enter.
Coke didn't allow a hit... and yet two runs still scored. First, a ground out brought around one runner and then, after an intentional walk to put runners on the corners, a sac fly brought in a second.
The Rangers would add one more off of Coke with a solo home run to start the eighth, bringing Dave Robertson into the game. Robertson retired the three batters he faced and the Yankees went down fairly quietly in the ninth, pushing the game to a close with the Rangers winning, 7-3.
Physically, Joba felt great, which is good news. But, there was bad news as well - in the first inning, going back on a fly ball, Melky collided awkwardly with the outfield wall, straining his right shoulder (video).
MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports that he underwent a fluoro exam, which came back negative and he will have an MRI today. The center fielder feels like it'll be a couple of days.
Brett Gardner replaced Melky and didn't waste the opportunity, leading the Yankees with three hits and scoring a run. Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Hideki Matsui all had two hits.
The Yankees and Rangers will play today at 8:05 PM ET as A.J. Burnett (2-2, 5.28) will go against Derek Holland (1-1, 4.82).
Recap records: Patrick: 13–7, Seamus: 10–9, Andrew: 3–4.
Posted by: Patrick
Down at Class-A affiliate Charleston on Tuesday, Yankees prospect and RiverDogs starter Andrew Brackman had a bit of a strange line. Brackman faced 19 batters over 3 and 1/3 innings, walking 10 and throwing 5 wild pitches. Yet, despite that, he only allowed 1 hit and 3 earned runs and the RiverDogs beat the Bowling Green Hot Rods, 9-4.
Brackman was aided by a pair of double plays and left the bases loaded in the fourth, when Casey Erickson relieved him with one out. Erickson, who would be credited with the win, got out of the jam without allowing a run.
Via Steve Lombardi.
Brackman was aided by a pair of double plays and left the bases loaded in the fourth, when Casey Erickson relieved him with one out. Erickson, who would be credited with the win, got out of the jam without allowing a run.
Via Steve Lombardi.
Posted by: Patrick
Joe Girardi told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch yesterday that Jorge Posada could realistically be back in four or five days, following his extended spring action. The Yankees may continue to carry three catchers.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham shares this from the AP:
New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada played three innings of defense during a simulated game Tuesday in Tampa.
Sidelined since straining his right hamstring while sliding in a game against Boston May 4, also batted in the simulated game. The five-time AL All-Star threw to second from behind the plate and ran the bases after the game.
Outfielder Xavier Nady (right elbow ligament) and infielder Cody Ransom (right quadriceps) also batted.
Sidelined since straining his right hamstring while sliding in a game against Boston May 4, also batted in the simulated game. The five-time AL All-Star threw to second from behind the plate and ran the bases after the game.
Outfielder Xavier Nady (right elbow ligament) and infielder Cody Ransom (right quadriceps) also batted.
Posted by: Seamus
Phil Hughes put together his best start of the season, if not his career, and the Yankee lineup put on a clinic this afternoon in Texas as the Yankees defeated the Rangers by a score of 11–1. The win put the Yankees in the lead for the American League wild card (yeah, it's a bit early) and also kept them within one game of Boston for the A.L. East lead.
Phil Hughes was on all afternoon, allowing just three hits and striking out six in eight shutout innings. The only real trouble for Hughes came in the second inning, when he put the first two batters on base, but was able to get out of it by striking out three straight hitters. Hughes allowed a player to reach third base only twice in the game.
The Yankees' offense had a pretty easy time against the Rangers pitching staff, as well. The Bombers went ahead with two in the first inning and another four in the third, and never looked back. The Yankees' eventual 11-run performance was highlighted by a 5-5 day for Alex Rodriguez, who raised his batting average 70 points. Kevin Cash had three hits, and Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano all had multi-hit games as well.
Alfredo Aceves entered the game in the 9th to finish things out, and allowed a solo home run to Nelson Cruz, but that would be all the offense the Rangers would get.
The Yankees will try to repeat their performance tomorrow night, as Joba Chamberlain will take the mound to face the Texas lineup. The Yankees will be up against Kevin Millwood, who is actually off to a pretty decent start (4–4, 3.12 E.R.A., 1.15 WHIP). Game starts at 8:05 ET.
Recap records: Patrick: 13–6, Seamus: 10–9, Andrew: 3–4
Phil Hughes was on all afternoon, allowing just three hits and striking out six in eight shutout innings. The only real trouble for Hughes came in the second inning, when he put the first two batters on base, but was able to get out of it by striking out three straight hitters. Hughes allowed a player to reach third base only twice in the game.
The Yankees' offense had a pretty easy time against the Rangers pitching staff, as well. The Bombers went ahead with two in the first inning and another four in the third, and never looked back. The Yankees' eventual 11-run performance was highlighted by a 5-5 day for Alex Rodriguez, who raised his batting average 70 points. Kevin Cash had three hits, and Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano all had multi-hit games as well.
Alfredo Aceves entered the game in the 9th to finish things out, and allowed a solo home run to Nelson Cruz, but that would be all the offense the Rangers would get.
The Yankees will try to repeat their performance tomorrow night, as Joba Chamberlain will take the mound to face the Texas lineup. The Yankees will be up against Kevin Millwood, who is actually off to a pretty decent start (4–4, 3.12 E.R.A., 1.15 WHIP). Game starts at 8:05 ET.
Recap records: Patrick: 13–6, Seamus: 10–9, Andrew: 3–4
Posted by: Patrick
Newsday reports that Brian Bruney is back on the DL. The Yankees aren't guessing how long it'll take for him to get right. But, David Robertson has been called up to fill his slot.
Posted by: Patrick
MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli has an update on Brian Bruney, Joba Chamberlain and Chien-Ming Wang.
Bruney is in rough shape. He played catch today and his right elbow was still hurting him. Both an MRI and an arthogram showed no structural damage. He says that the more he throws, the less it hurts.
Girardi indicated that Bruney could be headed to the DL, but was waiting to see the pitcher throw and for Dave Eiland to weigh in. Bruney expects to pitch on Monday, pain or no pain.
Chamberlain threw a good bullpen session on Sunday and appears good to go on Tuesday.
Finally, Wang will stay in the pen for now and will be waiting in the wings should anything change with Joba.
Bruney is in rough shape. He played catch today and his right elbow was still hurting him. Both an MRI and an arthogram showed no structural damage. He says that the more he throws, the less it hurts.
Girardi indicated that Bruney could be headed to the DL, but was waiting to see the pitcher throw and for Dave Eiland to weigh in. Bruney expects to pitch on Monday, pain or no pain.
Chamberlain threw a good bullpen session on Sunday and appears good to go on Tuesday.
Finally, Wang will stay in the pen for now and will be waiting in the wings should anything change with Joba.
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees came ever so close to recording their 5th walk-off victory in their 10-game homestand, but a double off the bat of Carlos Ruiz doomed the Yanks as the Phillies took the rubber game of this three-game set by a score of 4–3. Despite losing the series the Yankees still finish their homestand at 8–2. A win by the Red Sox over the Mets put the Yankees a game behind Boston for the division lead (Toronto lost again and is now in 2nd).
CC Sabathia could have been a little better but he could have been a lot worse as well. While he did allow 3 runs and 9 hits and only struck out 4, he did give the Yankees something that they've generally been lacking over the last couple years, which is an eight-inning performance. Pretty impressive how a guy can still go eight innings in this day and age without completely dominating the entire lineup throughout. Sabathia threw a total of 110 pitches in the game.
The Yankees trailed most of the way but were able to tie the game up in the 9th thanks to yet another clutch late-inning hit by Melky Cabrera, this time a single up the middle that scored Ramiro Pena from 2nd. That forced the game into extra innings, and the Yankees had runners on first and second with nobody out in the 10th, but failed to score after Mark Teixeira grounded into a double play and Ramiro Pena flew out to center.
The Phillies took the lead back in the 11th, this time for good, when Carlos Ruiz doubled down the left field line off of Brett Tomko to score Chase Utley from second to put Philadelphia up 4–3. That was how the score would stay and the Yankees were handed their third extra inning loss of the season.
The Yankees have to be heading out of the Bronx feeling pretty good about themselves, even after losing two of three to the defending champs, and will try to keep things going tomorrow afternoon, as they'll begin a three-game set with the Rangers in Texas. Phil Hughes and Matt Harrison will be the starting pitchers. Game starts at 2:05 ET.
Recap records: Patrick: 13–6, Seamus: 9–9, Andrew: 3–4
CC Sabathia could have been a little better but he could have been a lot worse as well. While he did allow 3 runs and 9 hits and only struck out 4, he did give the Yankees something that they've generally been lacking over the last couple years, which is an eight-inning performance. Pretty impressive how a guy can still go eight innings in this day and age without completely dominating the entire lineup throughout. Sabathia threw a total of 110 pitches in the game.
The Yankees trailed most of the way but were able to tie the game up in the 9th thanks to yet another clutch late-inning hit by Melky Cabrera, this time a single up the middle that scored Ramiro Pena from 2nd. That forced the game into extra innings, and the Yankees had runners on first and second with nobody out in the 10th, but failed to score after Mark Teixeira grounded into a double play and Ramiro Pena flew out to center.
The Phillies took the lead back in the 11th, this time for good, when Carlos Ruiz doubled down the left field line off of Brett Tomko to score Chase Utley from second to put Philadelphia up 4–3. That was how the score would stay and the Yankees were handed their third extra inning loss of the season.
The Yankees have to be heading out of the Bronx feeling pretty good about themselves, even after losing two of three to the defending champs, and will try to keep things going tomorrow afternoon, as they'll begin a three-game set with the Rangers in Texas. Phil Hughes and Matt Harrison will be the starting pitchers. Game starts at 2:05 ET.
Recap records: Patrick: 13–6, Seamus: 9–9, Andrew: 3–4
