06/19: Offense Picks up Shaky Pitching for 6th Straight Victory
Posted by: Seamus
The Yankees haven't lost a game since the last time Darrell Rasner pitched, and Wednesday night was determined not to be responsible for two straight Yankee losses. It wasn't the best we've seen of Rasner, but it was good enough to leave the rest to the Yankees scorching hot offense as the Yankees picked up their sixth straight "W" with an 8-5 victory over San Diego.
Rasner was solid through the first two innings, but really labored in the 3rd as he threw 41 pitches, walked two batters and allowed two runs before getting Chase Headley to fly out with the bases loaded. He was lucky to get through that mess and to get through five innings and pick up the win, but considering how many times he's recorded a loss after only allowing a run or two, I think we can let this one slide.
The offense came up huge again, as the Yankees scored 8 runs or more for the fourth straight game. Alex Rodriguez homered in his fourth straight and went 3-4. Wilson Betemit went 3-4 and Johnny Damon picked up three hits, as well. The lineup was resilient this one, as they would answer back every time the Padres pulled closer. Edwar Ramirez gives up back to back homers in the top of the 7th, an the Yankees answer back with two of their own in the bottom of the inning. Kyle Farnsworth gives up a home run to Chase Headley in the 8th, and Johnny Damon singles in a run in the bottom of the 8th.
All of that was more than enough for Mariano Rivera, who pitched a scoreless 9th for his 19th save in as many chances.
The Yankees will go for their second straight sweep, which would be the first time they did that since June 8-14 of 2007. It will be a matinee affair as the game starts at 1:05 E.T. Joba Chamberlain will take the mound and will face rookie Josh Banks.
Rasner was solid through the first two innings, but really labored in the 3rd as he threw 41 pitches, walked two batters and allowed two runs before getting Chase Headley to fly out with the bases loaded. He was lucky to get through that mess and to get through five innings and pick up the win, but considering how many times he's recorded a loss after only allowing a run or two, I think we can let this one slide.
The offense came up huge again, as the Yankees scored 8 runs or more for the fourth straight game. Alex Rodriguez homered in his fourth straight and went 3-4. Wilson Betemit went 3-4 and Johnny Damon picked up three hits, as well. The lineup was resilient this one, as they would answer back every time the Padres pulled closer. Edwar Ramirez gives up back to back homers in the top of the 7th, an the Yankees answer back with two of their own in the bottom of the inning. Kyle Farnsworth gives up a home run to Chase Headley in the 8th, and Johnny Damon singles in a run in the bottom of the 8th.
All of that was more than enough for Mariano Rivera, who pitched a scoreless 9th for his 19th save in as many chances.
The Yankees will go for their second straight sweep, which would be the first time they did that since June 8-14 of 2007. It will be a matinee affair as the game starts at 1:05 E.T. Joba Chamberlain will take the mound and will face rookie Josh Banks.
