09/09: Yankees lose Wild-Card lead with loss to Tampa Bay 4-7
Posted by: Michael
The Yankees entered the game knowing that they had to win to keep their lead in the wild card. They were playing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. A team in dead last in their division with a 58-82 record (21-50 on the road). A team that they just can't figure out this season.
The Yanks turned in another miserable performance losing against Mark Hendrickson. Hendrickson has the highest batting average against in the majors at .320. He also owned a 6.09 ERA, the fifth worst amongst starters. He pitched effective enough with most of the damage being done in the seventh inning.
The Yankees can't expect one big inning every game to get them through for the win. They seem to be in a daze at the plate, losing focus and aiming for the stands in long-ball fashion. Patience at the plate and hits are what I want.
Highlights for the Yanks were the return of Obi-Wang to the lineup from two months on the DL. He pitched 5 innings on 80 pitches giving up 3 runs. The combo of Wayne Franklin and Scott Proctor sends chills up my spine. It's not a matter of when or if they will give up runs, but more like the matter of how many.
Sierra broke out of his slump, and hit a two run homer in the seventh as that was the Yanks only inning of scoring for the night.
The Yankees are still in it being only 1/2 game out of the wild card and four games back from Boston. They have a legitimate shot, but seeing how they've played this year against Tampa Bay, you must wonder if they have it in their hearts to take it to the next level. Are they being motivated enough by their coaches and manager? That's a question that needs to be answered.
Tonight the Yankees have a crucial series (they all are at this point) in playing the Red Sox at the Stadium. Aaron "Biggie" Small (6-0, 2.42 ERA) takes on David "Boomer" Wells (12-6, 4.24 ERA). Game time is 7:05pm ET.
The Yanks turned in another miserable performance losing against Mark Hendrickson. Hendrickson has the highest batting average against in the majors at .320. He also owned a 6.09 ERA, the fifth worst amongst starters. He pitched effective enough with most of the damage being done in the seventh inning.
The Yankees can't expect one big inning every game to get them through for the win. They seem to be in a daze at the plate, losing focus and aiming for the stands in long-ball fashion. Patience at the plate and hits are what I want.
Highlights for the Yanks were the return of Obi-Wang to the lineup from two months on the DL. He pitched 5 innings on 80 pitches giving up 3 runs. The combo of Wayne Franklin and Scott Proctor sends chills up my spine. It's not a matter of when or if they will give up runs, but more like the matter of how many.
Sierra broke out of his slump, and hit a two run homer in the seventh as that was the Yanks only inning of scoring for the night.
The Yankees are still in it being only 1/2 game out of the wild card and four games back from Boston. They have a legitimate shot, but seeing how they've played this year against Tampa Bay, you must wonder if they have it in their hearts to take it to the next level. Are they being motivated enough by their coaches and manager? That's a question that needs to be answered.
Tonight the Yankees have a crucial series (they all are at this point) in playing the Red Sox at the Stadium. Aaron "Biggie" Small (6-0, 2.42 ERA) takes on David "Boomer" Wells (12-6, 4.24 ERA). Game time is 7:05pm ET.
