05/28: Yanks Dominate in Rubber Game vs. Rangers
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
