05/26: Hughes, A-Rod Excel in Romp of Rangers
Posted by: Seamus
Phil Hughes put together his best start of the season, if not his career, and the Yankee lineup put on a clinic this afternoon in Texas as the Yankees defeated the Rangers by a score of 11–1. The win put the Yankees in the lead for the American League wild card (yeah, it's a bit early) and also kept them within one game of Boston for the A.L. East lead.
Phil Hughes was on all afternoon, allowing just three hits and striking out six in eight shutout innings. The only real trouble for Hughes came in the second inning, when he put the first two batters on base, but was able to get out of it by striking out three straight hitters. Hughes allowed a player to reach third base only twice in the game.
The Yankees' offense had a pretty easy time against the Rangers pitching staff, as well. The Bombers went ahead with two in the first inning and another four in the third, and never looked back. The Yankees' eventual 11-run performance was highlighted by a 5-5 day for Alex Rodriguez, who raised his batting average 70 points. Kevin Cash had three hits, and Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano all had multi-hit games as well.
Alfredo Aceves entered the game in the 9th to finish things out, and allowed a solo home run to Nelson Cruz, but that would be all the offense the Rangers would get.
The Yankees will try to repeat their performance tomorrow night, as Joba Chamberlain will take the mound to face the Texas lineup. The Yankees will be up against Kevin Millwood, who is actually off to a pretty decent start (4–4, 3.12 E.R.A., 1.15 WHIP). Game starts at 8:05 ET.
Recap records: Patrick: 13–6, Seamus: 10–9, Andrew: 3–4
Phil Hughes was on all afternoon, allowing just three hits and striking out six in eight shutout innings. The only real trouble for Hughes came in the second inning, when he put the first two batters on base, but was able to get out of it by striking out three straight hitters. Hughes allowed a player to reach third base only twice in the game.
The Yankees' offense had a pretty easy time against the Rangers pitching staff, as well. The Bombers went ahead with two in the first inning and another four in the third, and never looked back. The Yankees' eventual 11-run performance was highlighted by a 5-5 day for Alex Rodriguez, who raised his batting average 70 points. Kevin Cash had three hits, and Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano all had multi-hit games as well.
Alfredo Aceves entered the game in the 9th to finish things out, and allowed a solo home run to Nelson Cruz, but that would be all the offense the Rangers would get.
The Yankees will try to repeat their performance tomorrow night, as Joba Chamberlain will take the mound to face the Texas lineup. The Yankees will be up against Kevin Millwood, who is actually off to a pretty decent start (4–4, 3.12 E.R.A., 1.15 WHIP). Game starts at 8:05 ET.
Recap records: Patrick: 13–6, Seamus: 10–9, Andrew: 3–4
