05/15: Mussina Ends Rays' Winning Streak
Posted by: Seamus
Mike Mussina has been caught in quite a few pitchers' duels so far this season, and surprisingly enough to some, he's been the one outdueling the other starter more often than not. Mussina put together another good start Wednesday night as the Yankees won in Tampa Bay by a score of 2-1, snapping their two game losing streak and pulling to within 3.5 games of the Rays for first place. The win by the Yankees also snapped a six game winning streak by Tampa Bay.
This game was all about the pitching as Mike Mussina put together yet another impressive start, giving up only a run on 5 hits in 6 and 1/3. Ross Ohlendorf, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera (11th save in 11 tries) combined for 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings to close the game out. The bullpen has NOT been a problem for the Yankees this year, as they are currently third in the American League in bullpen E.R.A.
The Yankees couldn't muster much offense themselves, even against the one Rays pitcher who hasn't been able to solve the Yanks throughout his career (0-4, 8.58), as James Shields coughed up only 2 runs in 7 and 1/3. Robinson Cano was the one bright spot, however, as he went 4-4, and as James mentioned, finally got out of the interstate. Fortunately for the Yanks, his RBI single in the 4th and an RBI double by Bobby Abreu in the 5th was all the offense the Yankees needed.
The Yankees will close out this four-game set a little early today (4:10 E.T.), as it is a travel day for both teams, which brings up this question I have: I thought this weekend was supposed to be "rivalry weekend" as far as interleague play goes, so why are the Rays playing the Cardinals? Oh well...anyway, Ian Kennedy will be making his return to the big leagues today and will be facing Scott Kazmir as the Yankees try to salvage a split in this series.
This game was all about the pitching as Mike Mussina put together yet another impressive start, giving up only a run on 5 hits in 6 and 1/3. Ross Ohlendorf, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera (11th save in 11 tries) combined for 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings to close the game out. The bullpen has NOT been a problem for the Yankees this year, as they are currently third in the American League in bullpen E.R.A.
The Yankees couldn't muster much offense themselves, even against the one Rays pitcher who hasn't been able to solve the Yanks throughout his career (0-4, 8.58), as James Shields coughed up only 2 runs in 7 and 1/3. Robinson Cano was the one bright spot, however, as he went 4-4, and as James mentioned, finally got out of the interstate. Fortunately for the Yanks, his RBI single in the 4th and an RBI double by Bobby Abreu in the 5th was all the offense the Yankees needed.
The Yankees will close out this four-game set a little early today (4:10 E.T.), as it is a travel day for both teams, which brings up this question I have: I thought this weekend was supposed to be "rivalry weekend" as far as interleague play goes, so why are the Rays playing the Cardinals? Oh well...anyway, Ian Kennedy will be making his return to the big leagues today and will be facing Scott Kazmir as the Yankees try to salvage a split in this series.
