09/22: Lawton, Unit, Mo Propel Yankees into 1st Place
Posted by: Seamus
Red Sox fans everywhere are falling back to Earth as their loss coupled with a 2-1 Yankee victory over the Orioles moved the Yankees into first place for the first time since mid-July with just 11 games to go. Matt Lawton's 2-run shot to right in the 2nd was the difference as Randy Johnson pitched a great game in front of some great defense, most noticeably by Alex Rodriguez, who made quite a few diving grabs at 3rd. The Unit gave us 8 big innings and allowed only one run on three hits. Mariano Rivera entered the game in the 9th and struggled a bit, but he recovered and was helped by some good defense as well as he recorded his 41st save of the season.
The Yankees moved into first place courtesy of a huge 8th inning collapse by Mike Timlin as the Red Sox blew a 4-2 lead and lost 7-4. Both the Yankees and the Red Sox have the same teams remaining on their schedules (Blue Jays and Orioles), as well as three games against each other.
The Indians, who are still of some significance to the Yankees since they only led the Red Sox by a half game, defeated the White Sox and remain a half game better than the Bombers. The Yankees stand a half game behind them and 3 behind the White Sox for home field throughout the playoffs.
Mike Mussina will make his return tonight after an injury to his elbow. His opponent will be Orioles' lefty Bruce Chen. Mussina hasn't pitched since August 29 and will only have two starts at most to get in shape for the postseason if the Yankees make it. However, the Yankees need him to pitch well tonight as every game counts down the stretch. Hopefully if he's a little rusty the bats will pick him up.
The Yankees moved into first place courtesy of a huge 8th inning collapse by Mike Timlin as the Red Sox blew a 4-2 lead and lost 7-4. Both the Yankees and the Red Sox have the same teams remaining on their schedules (Blue Jays and Orioles), as well as three games against each other.
The Indians, who are still of some significance to the Yankees since they only led the Red Sox by a half game, defeated the White Sox and remain a half game better than the Bombers. The Yankees stand a half game behind them and 3 behind the White Sox for home field throughout the playoffs.
Mike Mussina will make his return tonight after an injury to his elbow. His opponent will be Orioles' lefty Bruce Chen. Mussina hasn't pitched since August 29 and will only have two starts at most to get in shape for the postseason if the Yankees make it. However, the Yankees need him to pitch well tonight as every game counts down the stretch. Hopefully if he's a little rusty the bats will pick him up.
