07/28: Sizzling Burnett Baffles Rays
Posted by: Seamus
A.J. Burnett gave the Yankees another solid start and the offense overwhelmed both James Shields and the Rays' bullpen en route to an 11–4 victory that puts the Yanks' record at 10–1 since the All-Star break.
Burnett allowed just two hits and didn't allow an earned run in his 7 innings of work. Burnett has pitched 6 innings or more in every start since his clunker in Boston on June 9, allowing 3 runs or less each time (8 starts) and has an ERA of just 1.68 in that span.
The offense also had it going, as every player in the lineup recorded at least one hit in the Yankees' 11-run attack. Nick Swisher had two home runs, Robinson Cano homered while driving in two and Johnny Damon added his 200th career home run with a three-run shot in the 9th. Derek Jeter had 3 hits and the bottom third of the order was a combined 6-for-12.
Brian Robertson struggled a bit with the Yankees leading big in the 9th, but did record a key strikeout against Carlos Pena in the bottom of the 8th with the tying run still on deck.
Tonight's game should offer the potential for another good pitching matchup, as CC Sabathia will be faced by Scott Kazmir. Kazmir, however, has really struggled this season as he's battled both injuries and inconsistency throughout the year. His opponents are hitting .289 against him and his ERA is at an uncharacteristic 6.69. Game starts at 7:08 ET.
Also of note: I didn't get this through the original post, but a couple stats to pass along: The Yanks now have the best run differential of any team in the A.L. East (+84) and the win last night was also Joe Girardi's 150th as Yankee manager.
Recap records: Patrick: 28–13, Seamus: 26–16, Andrew: 7–9
Burnett allowed just two hits and didn't allow an earned run in his 7 innings of work. Burnett has pitched 6 innings or more in every start since his clunker in Boston on June 9, allowing 3 runs or less each time (8 starts) and has an ERA of just 1.68 in that span.
The offense also had it going, as every player in the lineup recorded at least one hit in the Yankees' 11-run attack. Nick Swisher had two home runs, Robinson Cano homered while driving in two and Johnny Damon added his 200th career home run with a three-run shot in the 9th. Derek Jeter had 3 hits and the bottom third of the order was a combined 6-for-12.
Brian Robertson struggled a bit with the Yankees leading big in the 9th, but did record a key strikeout against Carlos Pena in the bottom of the 8th with the tying run still on deck.
Tonight's game should offer the potential for another good pitching matchup, as CC Sabathia will be faced by Scott Kazmir. Kazmir, however, has really struggled this season as he's battled both injuries and inconsistency throughout the year. His opponents are hitting .289 against him and his ERA is at an uncharacteristic 6.69. Game starts at 7:08 ET.
Also of note: I didn't get this through the original post, but a couple stats to pass along: The Yanks now have the best run differential of any team in the A.L. East (+84) and the win last night was also Joe Girardi's 150th as Yankee manager.
Recap records: Patrick: 28–13, Seamus: 26–16, Andrew: 7–9
