09/03: Mussina Collects Win Number 17 as Yankees Beat Rays, 7-2
Posted by: Patrick
Mike Mussina scattered 10 hits and 1 walk tonight, over 6 innings in Tampa, as the Yankees topped the first place Rays, 7-2. Mussina allowed both of the runs, lowering his ERA to 3.39 and winning his 17th game of the season.
The Yankees offense was scoreless through 3 until a Jason Giambi sacrifice fly brought home Derek Jeter in the top of the fourth. Xavier Nady followed with a two run shot that scored A-Rod. They added two more in the fifth with an RBI triple by Johnny Damon and an RBI groundout from Jeter.
Mussina started the 7th, but after two consecutive doubles to start the inning, Damaso Marte entered. He allowed a single to the first batter he faced, putting runners on the corners with no one out. However, Marte then struck out B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena. The Devil Rays brought Rocco Baldelli in to pinch hit for Cliff Floyd and Joe Girardi countered with Joba Chamberlain, making his first appearance since August 4. Baldelli grounded out and the threat was over.
A-Rod added an insurance run with a solo shot in the 8th and Joba remained to pitch the bottom half. Despite a walk and a single, Joba came away with a scoreless frame. Dan Giese, activated today along with Joba, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning. It was Giese's first appearance since August 13.
It's good to have Joba and Giese back. Is it too little, too late? Could be. But, we can only take it one game at a time. The Red Sox won tonight, so we remain 7 games back in the Wild Card standings.
The Yankees offense was scoreless through 3 until a Jason Giambi sacrifice fly brought home Derek Jeter in the top of the fourth. Xavier Nady followed with a two run shot that scored A-Rod. They added two more in the fifth with an RBI triple by Johnny Damon and an RBI groundout from Jeter.
Mussina started the 7th, but after two consecutive doubles to start the inning, Damaso Marte entered. He allowed a single to the first batter he faced, putting runners on the corners with no one out. However, Marte then struck out B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena. The Devil Rays brought Rocco Baldelli in to pinch hit for Cliff Floyd and Joe Girardi countered with Joba Chamberlain, making his first appearance since August 4. Baldelli grounded out and the threat was over.
A-Rod added an insurance run with a solo shot in the 8th and Joba remained to pitch the bottom half. Despite a walk and a single, Joba came away with a scoreless frame. Dan Giese, activated today along with Joba, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning. It was Giese's first appearance since August 13.
It's good to have Joba and Giese back. Is it too little, too late? Could be. But, we can only take it one game at a time. The Red Sox won tonight, so we remain 7 games back in the Wild Card standings.
