08/05: Sexson Hits Slam, But Yankees Lose to Rangers, 8-6
Posted by: Patrick
Andy Pettitte started this one and was roughed up early, allowing 3 earned runs in the first 2 innings. After a scoreless third, he allowed another run in the fourth.
The Yankees offense was silent through 5, picking up just 3 hits and not scoring a single run. In the sixth, Johnny Damon led off with a triple and Derek Jeter drove him home with a sacrifice fly. The Rangers answered back with a run in the bottom of the sixth and it was 5-1, Rangers.
After allowing back to back singles (and a run) in the sixth, Pettitte was removed and relieved by David Robertson. Robertson got out of the inning without allowing any runs, but did so in an odd fashion, which included an intentional walk, a regular walk and a wild pitch. He struck out the final two hitters of the inning, with the bases loaded.
The Yankees added another run in the top of the 7th, though that was a bit of a disappointment, considering the bases with loaded with one out. Melky popped out to make it two and then Johnny Damon walked, scoring Robinson Cano. Jeter lined out to end the threat.
Robertson got off to a great start in the bottom of the 7th, striking out the first two batters he faced (making it 4 strikeouts in a row), but then he walked Marlon Byrd. And then David Murphy singled, moving Byrd to third. Girardi opted to go with Bruney.
Bruney walked the first batter he faced to load the bases for Chris Davis who made him pay, big time, with a bases clearing double, making the score 8-2.
But, the Yankees got right back in the game in the top of the eighth as two walks and a hit batter loaded the bases for Richie Sexson who hit a grand slam, to bring the game back within reason at 8-6. Jose Veras kept it there, pitching a scoreless inning.
Eddie Guardado came in to face the Yankees in the 9th, with Jeter, Bobby Abreu and A-Rod due up. Jeter got it started with a walk. Abreu, representing the tying run, struck out. Finally, A-Rod grounded into a double play to end the game. Yankees lose, 8-6.
Tomorrow, the Yankees will face the Rangers again at 8:05 PM ET. Sidney Ponson (6-2, 4.23) pitches against Tommy Hunter (0-0, 10.80), making his second career start.
The Yankees offense was silent through 5, picking up just 3 hits and not scoring a single run. In the sixth, Johnny Damon led off with a triple and Derek Jeter drove him home with a sacrifice fly. The Rangers answered back with a run in the bottom of the sixth and it was 5-1, Rangers.
After allowing back to back singles (and a run) in the sixth, Pettitte was removed and relieved by David Robertson. Robertson got out of the inning without allowing any runs, but did so in an odd fashion, which included an intentional walk, a regular walk and a wild pitch. He struck out the final two hitters of the inning, with the bases loaded.
The Yankees added another run in the top of the 7th, though that was a bit of a disappointment, considering the bases with loaded with one out. Melky popped out to make it two and then Johnny Damon walked, scoring Robinson Cano. Jeter lined out to end the threat.
Robertson got off to a great start in the bottom of the 7th, striking out the first two batters he faced (making it 4 strikeouts in a row), but then he walked Marlon Byrd. And then David Murphy singled, moving Byrd to third. Girardi opted to go with Bruney.
Bruney walked the first batter he faced to load the bases for Chris Davis who made him pay, big time, with a bases clearing double, making the score 8-2.
But, the Yankees got right back in the game in the top of the eighth as two walks and a hit batter loaded the bases for Richie Sexson who hit a grand slam, to bring the game back within reason at 8-6. Jose Veras kept it there, pitching a scoreless inning.
Eddie Guardado came in to face the Yankees in the 9th, with Jeter, Bobby Abreu and A-Rod due up. Jeter got it started with a walk. Abreu, representing the tying run, struck out. Finally, A-Rod grounded into a double play to end the game. Yankees lose, 8-6.
Tomorrow, the Yankees will face the Rangers again at 8:05 PM ET. Sidney Ponson (6-2, 4.23) pitches against Tommy Hunter (0-0, 10.80), making his second career start.
Seamus wrote: