*Taking a Little Break*

Hey everyone,

As you may have noticed, I haven’t yet published the summary of the New York Yankees game yesterday or today. That’s because I have been a little busy this week. I have a lot of summer work for school, and just haven’t been able to find the time to blog. I hope to be back covering the Yankees sometime this week. However, I’m thinking that a summary on EVERY GAME might be a little much. So, I think I will cover every other game or maybe even a recap of the week. However, I might throw a summary in about an outstanding game the Yankees played, here and there. Thanks for your cooperation and I hope to hear from you guys later in the week. In case you were wondering, the Yankees win streak was snapped at 8 games yesterday, as they lost to the A’s 6-4. However, today they were able to get off on the right foot again, beating the A’s 7-5. Thanks again and good luck on the remainder of the season!
~Steve (Arodfan13)

Yankee Game (7/23/09)

The Yankees were able to keep their 6 game winning streak alive last night, extending it to 7 as they defeated the Oakland Athletics 6-3. After a 2 hour and 43 minute rain delay, the game was finally able to get under way in the Bronx. With the win, the Yankees were able to widen the gap within the AL East Standings, leading 2.5 games over Boston.


Sabathia lacked control early in the game, but was able to finish strong throwing another 7 strong innings surrendering just the 3 runs on 9 hits, while striking out 4. Hughes came in to pitch the 8th and 9th, and boy was he flawless surrendering no runs on no hits. I have to say, Hughes has impressed me far more than i’d have expected. I think he belongs in the bullpen, and not in the starting rotation. He is practically untouchable. He was also able to pick up his first career save last night as well.

The Yankees offense proved that it didn’t have to gain the early lead to win ballgames. The “Comeback Kids of the Bronx” were able to come back from a 3-0 deficit, thanks to a 4 run fourth giving the Yanks a 4-3 lead. Tex was able to spark the offense, swinging at a 3-0 pitch and drilling it into the second deck in right field (a 2 run homer). Arod worked a walk, and was later drove in on a double by Jorge Posada, tying the game at 3. Then, Posada was able to score on an RBI single by Hinske, giving the Yankees a 4-3 lead. Then, in the bottom of the fifth, Tex was able to come through again, doubling down the right field line, scoring Derek Jeter giving the Yanks some extra insurance. Later in the inning, Posada, with the bases loaded, hit an RBI single to center field giving the Yanks a 6-3 lead that they would hold on to to win the game.

NY Yankees AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Jeter, SS 4 1 1 0 1 2 2 .316
Damon, LF 4 2 2 0 0 1 1 .281
Teixeira, 1B 4 1 2 3 0 2 1 .279
3 1 0 0 1 2 2 .253
Matsui, H, DH 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 .257
Posada, C 4 1 2 2 0 1 0 .286
Cano, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 0 4 .310
Hinske, RF 3 0 1 1 0 1 3 .266
  Cabrera, Me, RF 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .277
Gardner, CF 3 0 0 0 1 1 2 .274
Totals 33 6 10 6 4 11 16  
BATTING
2B: Posada (14, Mazzaro), Teixeira (25, Mazzaro), Cabrera, Me (15, Casilla, S).
HR: Teixeira (24, 4th inning off Mazzaro, 1 on, 0 out).
TB: Jeter; Damon 2; Teixeira 6; Posada 3; Cano; Hinske; Cabrera, Me 2.
RBI: Teixeira 3 (70), Posada 2 (44), Hinske (17).
2-out RBI: Hinske.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Jeter 2; Gardner; Hinske 2.
Team RISP: 4-for-13.
Team LOB: 7.

BASERUNNING
SB: Gardner (20, 2nd base off Mazzaro/Suzuki, K), Rodriguez, A (6, 2nd base off Mazzaro/Suzuki, K).

FIELDING
DP: (Jeter-Cano-Teixeira).

I’ve noticed that in the second half, the Yankees aren’t “wasting” at bats. Meaning, they are adding just enough insurance to earn the win. They aren’t blowing out teams winning 10-0. They are able to get a 3 or 4 run lead, allowing their pitching to work with some room. Anyways, just an observation.

Tonight, the Yankees will take on the Athletics again, with Chamberlain getting the start for the Yanks and Brett Anderson taking the mound for the A’s. I think I’ll take Chamberlain because it seems like he has found his groove during the second half and has learned to keep the ball down. Also, its hard to go against the Yankees, who have been on a tear this second half winning 7 straight.
Players of the Game
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Phil Hughes: Pitched 2 innings of flawless relief, earning his first career save
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Jorge Posada: 2-4 scoring once and driving in 2
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Mark Teixeira: 2-4 with a 2 run homer and 3 RBIs

Yankee Game (7/22/09)

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The Yankees were able to extend their winning streak to six straight games and take out their brooms for the second consecutive series, as they swept the Orioles yesterday 6-4. The Yankees were also able to cushion their spot in 1st place, moving two games ahead of the Boston Red Sox, who were swept yesterday by the Texas Rangers. The Yankees, since moving into first place, now have the best record in the American League and the second best record within both the AL and NL, behind the Dodgers. (Yankees: 57-37 Dodgers: 61-34).


The Yankees received another great pitching performance from AJ Burnett who went 7 strong innings allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 6. Hughes came in to pitch the eighth, surrendering 0 runs on 1 hit and striking out 1. However, Bruney came in to finish the game but was unsuccessful allowing back-to-back homeruns to Adam Jones and Nick Markakis. This set up a save opportunity for Rivera who came in and got the final out of the 9th, securing his 28th save of the season. After yesterday’s game, Yankees pitching has allowed an average of just 2.3 runs a game since the All Star Break. Not bad!

The Yanks offense also remained hot with Posada leading the Bombers going 2-3 with a solo homerun and an RBI double. Swisher also drove in a pair with his double in the first. Arod contributed an RBI single of his own plating the Yankees first run of the game, along with Cano and his RBI single.

 
NY Yankees AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Jeter, SS 5 1 1 0 0 2 5 .317
Damon, LF 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 .278
  Cabrera, Me, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .274
Teixeira, 1B 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 .277
Rodriguez, A, 3B 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 .257
Matsui, H, DH 4 1 0 0 0 2 3 .260
Posada, C 3 2 2 2 1 0 0 .282
Cano, 2B 4 0 2 1 0 1 1 .310
Swisher, RF 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 .235
Gardner, CF 3 0 1 0 0 0 3 .278
Totals 33 6 11 6 3 5 16  
BATTING
2B: Jeter (19, Berken), Posada (13, Sherrill).
HR: Posada (12, 3rd inning off Berken, 0 on, 2 out).
TB: Jeter 2; Damon; Teixeira; Rodriguez, A 2; Posada 6; Cano 2; Swisher; Gardner.
RBI: Rodriguez, A (55), Cano (49), Swisher 2 (50), Posada 2 (42).
2-out RBI: Cano; Swisher 2; Posada.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Gardner; Jeter 2.
Team RISP: 7-for-15.
Team LOB: 7.

BASERUNNING
SB: Rodriguez, A (5, 2nd base off Sherrill/Zaun), Gardner (19, 2nd base off Meredith/Zaun).
CS: Gardner (5, 2nd base by Berken/Zaun).

FIELDING
E: Swisher (6, fielding).
DP: (Jeter-Teixeira).

Overall, I felt that the Yankees played a great game. Their pitching was good, their offense was good, and their defense was good, besides Swisher who just missed a fly ball in the third resulting in an error. But he would redeem himself with a homerun robbing catch and a diving catch later in the game.

Tonight, the Yankees will look to extend their winning streak as they take on former first baseman Jason Giambi and the Oakland Athletics. CC Sabathia will look to give the Yankees another quality start as he takes on Vin Mazzaro of the A’s. I think I’ll go with Sabathia because of his recent outings going at least 7 strong innings, setting up “lights outs” relief for Hughes and Rivera. Mazzaro has a 2-6 record and is posting an ERA of over 4 and with the Yanks pitching allowing an average of 2 runs per game, it looks like the Yanks will only need 3 or 4 runs to win it.
Players of the Game
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Nick Swisher:1-2 with two walks and a 2 run double. Also made some fantastic plays as well
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Jorge Posada: 2-3 with a solo homerun and an RBI double (walked once)

Yankee Game (7/21/09)

The Yankees were able to keep first place all to themselves last night, after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 6-4. The Red Sox lost 4-2 to the Texas Rangers, resulting in a second place standing in the division. The Yankees received ”OK” pitching from their newest starter Sergio Mitre, terrific offense, and flawless relief pitching, to give the Yanks their 56th win of the season pushing their winning percentage over .600 (.602 %)

As mentioned before, Mitre pitched an “OK” game for the Yankees surrendering 4 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits through 5.2 innings. while striking out 4 Not bad for a guy who is barely more than a year removed from Tommy John elbow reconstruction and that has not made a start since September 15th 2007. Once Mitre exited, Aceves, Coke, and Rivera were able to combine for 3 1/3 innings of flawless work allowing no runs on 1 hit. Rivera earned his 27th save of the season.

Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano were able to give Mitre some support each driving in 2 runs (Arod with a 2 run single and Cano with a 2-run homer). Swisher and Damon also contributed an RBI of their own. However, the Yankees worked the count throughout the entire game walking 8 times but were only 2-8 with RISP. Anyways, they were able to walk off with a win and in the end, that’s all that matters.


NY Yankees AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Jeter, SS 3 1 1 0 1 1 2 .319
Damon, LF 4 0 1 1 0 0 4 .278
  Gardner, CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .277
Teixeira, 1B 3 0 0 0 1 0 2 .277
Rodriguez, A, DH 2 1 1 2 2 0 0 .252
Posada, C 4 0 0 0 0 3 4 .277
Swisher, RF 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 .233
Cano, 2B 3 1 2 2 1 1 0 .308
Cabrera, Me, CF-LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 .274
Ransom, 3B 1 2 1 0 2 0 0 .188
Totals 26 6 6 6 8 6 14  
BATTING
2B: Ransom (7, Bass).
HR: Cano (14, 4th inning off Hill, R, 1 on, 0 out).
TB: Jeter; Damon; Rodriguez, A; Cano 5; Ransom 2.
RBI: Swisher (48), Rodriguez, A 2 (54), Cano 2 (48), Damon (51).
2-out RBI: Rodriguez, A 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Posada; Damon 2.
SF: Swisher.
Team RISP: 2-for-8.
Team LOB: 5.

BASERUNNING
SB: Jeter (18, 2nd base off Hill, R/Wieters), Rodriguez, A (4, 2nd base off Hill, R/Wieters), Ransom (2, 2nd base off Bass/Wieters).
CS: Rodriguez, A (1, 2nd base by Albers/Wieters).

FIELDING
E: Mitre (1, pickoff).
DP: 2 (Jeter-Cano-Teixeira, Teixeira).


Tonight, AJ Burnett (8-4) will try to help the Yankees earn back to back sweeps as he faces Jason Berken (1-7) of the O’s. I will take Burnett over Berken just by looking at the numbers. Berken has only one win on the season vs Burnett’s 8. Berken is posting a 6.44 ERA vs Burnett’s 3.81. Halfway through the season, I don’t think the numbers lie. But anyways, if the Yanks can sweep the O’s tonight, that’ll be their 3rd sweep in 4 series. (Twins, Tigers, Orioles). Good luck to the New York Yankees and hopefully Boston can drop their game tonight with Wakefield on the 15 day DL.

Players of the Game
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Robinson Cano: 1-3 with a 2 run homer 
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Alex Rodriguez: 1-2 with a 2-run single and 2 walks

Yankee Game (7/20/09)

The Yankees won their fourth straight game tonight, defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 (the third in a row they won 2-1). It was also another walk-off win for the Bombers, this time with Matsui delivering the game winning hit (a solo homerun to right-center). And of course, AJ Burnett came though with the pie-in-the-face. I guess its a small price to pay!


Pettitte was able to hold the Orioles to just 1 run on 6 hits through 7.1 innings. He also struck out a season high 8 batters! One of Pettitte’s best performances all year. He didn’t get the win, but was still able to keep his team in the ball game. But what really held the Yanks in it late was two great back-to-back games in the eighth. After Pettitte was taken out in the eighth, Coke came on to try and keep the game close. And he did just that. The first batter he faced was Nick Markakis with 1 out and a man on second and third. Markakis hit a hard ground ball to Tex, who made an incredible off-balance throw to Molina, who snow coned it, and tagged the runner out at the plate for the second out. Then, Coke delivered a wild pitch to Adam Jones (the next batter) and it slipped away from Molina and started to roll towards the Yanks dugout. However, Molina dove to the ball, made a great throw from his knees to Coke who was covering home, and Coke was able to tag out Roberts at the plate to end the inning. Roberts didn’t even touch home plate, but instead slid around it. Then Aceves came in after Coke was able to get the first out in the ninth, and was able to shut the door. However, the Yanks still had a chance to win it in the bottom of the ninth.

The Yanks were able to win another ballgame scoring just two runs. But the runs proved to be big ones, as the first came from a solo homer off the bat of the newly acquired Eric Hinske, tying the game at 1. However, from that second inning on, The Yanks offense experienced a drought until Matsui came up in the bottom of the ninth with one out. On a 2-2 count, Matsui belted a solo homerun off Johnson to win the game for the Yanks. (Their fourth straight win!)

As I am typing this, I see that Boston is trailing 6-2 to the Rangers in the bottom of the seventh. Hopefully the Rangers can hold on and beat the Sox. If so, the Yankees will move up to first place and be tied with the Red Sox for the second time in 7 games. Sergio Mitre will be making his big league debut tomorrow, and hopefully he can prove to the Yankees that he belongs in the back of the rotation. With Wang out, the Yanks need a fifth starter and hopefully Mitre can give them what they need. Mitre will be facing Rich Hill of the Orioles who has a 3-2 record coming into tomorrow’s game. I can’t make a prediction though because I’ve never seen Mitre pitch, so I’ll make sure to pay attention to him tomorrow and then recap in tomorrow’s post what I think about him.
Player of the Game 
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Hideki Matsui: 1-3 with a game winning homerun (walk off)

Yankee Game (7/19/09)

The Yankees swept Detroit today, defeating the AL Central leading Tigers 2-1 Sunday. Before the game, the Yankees hosted its 63rd Annual Old Timer’s Day. One familiar face to young Yankee fans was Mike Mussina. It was weird seeing him depicted as an Old Timer. Anyways, I always love watching all the Old Timer’s take the field for the Old Timer’s Game. Seeing players like Yogi, Guidry, Ford, Larsen, Zimmer, Cone, Girardi, and Mussina is really special for fans young and old. Hats off to these guys!


Anyways, the Yanks were able to move within 1 game of the division leading Red Sox. Chamberlain pitched his best game of the year going 6 2/3 innings allowing just 1 run on 3 hits and striking out 8. Coke took over for the final out of the seventh getting an inning ending ground ball on just one pitch. Hughes hurled another scoreless eighth and Mariano picked up his 3rd consecutive save (26).

As for the Yanks offense, Arod belted a solo shot in the fourth, tying the game at 1. Teixeira followed suit with a dinger of his own (solo) in the sixth, giving the Yanks their second run, which they would hold onto for the victory. Both sluggers went 2-4 on the afternoon and Posada was the only other Yankee to get a hit.

Totals
NY Yankees AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Jeter, SS 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 .321
Gardner, CF 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 .277
Teixeira, 1B 4 1 2 1 0 0 2 .280
Rodriguez, A, 3B 4 1 2 1 0 1 1 .255
Matsui, H, DH 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 .263
Posada, C 3 0 1 0 1 0 1 .282
Cano, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 .308
Swisher, RF 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 .235
Cabrera, Me, LF 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 .281
27 2 5 2 5 5 13  
BATTING
2B: Teixeira (24, Jackson, E), Posada (12, Jackson, E).
HR: Rodriguez, A (19, 4th inning off Jackson, E, 0 on, 2 out), Teixeira (23, 6th inning off Jackson, E, 0 on, 1 out).
TB: Teixeira 6; Rodriguez, A 5; Posada 2.
RBI: Rodriguez, A (52), Teixeira (67).
2-out RBI: Rodriguez, A.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Rodriguez, A; Cano 3; Teixeira.
GIDP: Cano; Cabrera, Me.
Team RISP: 0-for-5.
Team LOB: 7.

FIELDING
E: Posada (5, throw).

Tomorrow the Yankees will take on the O’s, starting a 3 game set. Pettitte will look for his 9th win of the season as he faces David Hernandez of the O’s. I’ll take Pettitte for tomorrow due to Hernandez’s lack of control and Pettitte’s consistency. If the Yanks can win tomorrow and Boston can drop another game, then the Yanks can sneak up into first place for the second time in 10 games and hopefully force Boston to drop into second. Mitre will be making his big league debut on Tuesday, and hopefully he can give the Yankees a solid start, giving him the role as the Yanks fifth starter.
Players of the Game
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Alex Rodriguez: 2-4 with a solo homerun to tie the game at 1 
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Mark Teixeira: 2-4 with a solo homerun to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead
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Joba Chamberlain: 6 2/3 strong innings, 8 K’s, 1 run, 3 hits

Yankee Game (7/18/09)

The New York Yankees were able to move within two games of first place, defeating the Detroit Tigers 2-1. The Yankees received stellar pitching from CC Sabathia and offensive help from Alex Rodriguez. With yesterday’s win the Yankees have now won 15 of their last 20 games, marking the best stretch of games this season for the Bombers.

As mentioned before, Sabathia pitched another great game for the Yankees going 7 strong innings allowing 0 runs on 5 hits, while striking out 4. The Tigers only run came off of Alfredo Aceves in the 8th on a solo homerun by Marcus Thames. Other than that the Yankees pitching was able to shut down the Tigers offense. Rivera earned his 2nd save coming off the All Star Break, and his 25th of the season.
However, the Yankees offense was also being shut down by one of the Tigers’ ace. Justin Verlander went 7 strong innings as well, but gave up a solo homerun to Alex Rodriguez, which really ended up being the turning point in the game. Later in the inning, Cabrera knocked in Cano for the second run of the game for the Yanks. Otherwise that was all the Yanks could muster up, but it was enough for them to come out victorious.

 
NY Yankees AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Jeter, SS 4 0 2 0 0 1 2 .325
Damon, LF 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 .278
  Gardner, CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .282
Teixeira, 1B 3 0 0 0 1 3 1 .277
Rodriguez, A, 3B 4 1 1 1 0 1 2 .250
Matsui, H, DH 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 .266
Posada, C 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 .281
Cano, 2B 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 .310
Swisher, RF 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 .236
Cabrera, Me, CF-LF 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 .285
Totals 30 2 7 2 1 8 8  
BATTING
2B: Damon (21, Verlander), Swisher (19, Verlander).
HR: Rodriguez, A (18, 7th inning off Verlander, 0 on, 0 out).
TB: Jeter 2; Damon 2; Rodriguez, A 4; Cano; Swisher 2; Cabrera, Me.
RBI: Rodriguez, A (51), Cabrera, Me (35).
2-out RBI: Cabrera, Me.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Matsui, H; Teixeira; Jeter.
Team RISP: 1-for-5.
Team LOB: 5.

BASERUNNING
CS: Jeter (4, 2nd base by Verlander/Laird).

FIELDING
PB: Posada (3).
DP: 2 (Jeter-Cano-Teixeira 2).

Today, as I finish watching the 63rd Old Timers Day, I will make a prediction for today’s game. Chamberlain will be facing the Tigers Edwin Jackson (2009 All Star). I have to go with the Tigers due to Chamberlain’s inconsistency so far this season. However, we’ve seen the Yankees overcome an ace (yesterday against Verlander) so maybe they can go for the sweep and get off to a great start capping off the second half of the season. Good luck to all the teams!
Players of the Game
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Alex Rodriguez: 1-4 with a solo homerun that got the Yankees on the board
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CC Sabathia: 7 innings, 0 runs, 5 hits, 4 K’s

Yankee Game (7/17/09)

The All Star Break didn’t interrupt the Yankees flow into the second half of the season, as they took the first game of a 3 game set with the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees were able to rally late and defeat the Detroit Tigers 5-3.

 

AJ Burnett took the mound Friday, looking to help the Yankees get off to a good start. He went 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits, but issuing an unusual 5 walks. But, the Yanks bullpen was able to keep the game close as Phil Hughes came in, and delivered what seemed to be his best performance of the year, pitching 2 innings, striking out 6 (wow!), and surrendering no runs on 3 hits. Rivera pitched a “lights out” ninth to earn the save. Hughes picked up the win, due to late heroics from the Yanks Gold Glove first baseman.

 

The Yankees were able to score 5 runs on 13 hits. Entering the 7th, the Yanks were trailing 3-2, but base hits from Jeter and Damon were able to set up an opprotunity for Teixeira. On a 3-1 count, Teixeira was able to blast a ball over the right field fence to give the Yanks a 5-3 lead. After the game Tex said “I just put a good swing on the pitch.” Tex finished the night going 3-5 with 3 RBIs. Matsui and Swisher also contributed an RBI of their own.

 

NY Yankees AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Jeter, SS 4 1 2 0 1 1 0 .323
Damon, LF 4 3 2 0 1 0 2 .278
  Gardner, CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .282
Teixeira, 1B 5 1 3 3 0 0 2 .280
Rodriguez, A, 3B 5 0 0 0 0 1 4 .250
Matsui, H, DH 4 0 2 1 0 1 2 .269
Posada, C 3 0 1 0 1 0 3 .286
Cano, 2B 4 0 2 0 0 0 1 .310
Swisher, RF 3 0 0 0 1 2 3 .235
Cabrera, Me, CF-LF 4 0 1 0 0 0 5 .284
Totals 36 5 13 4 4 5 22  
BATTING
2B: Posada (11, Ni), Damon (20, Zumaya), Cano (25, Zumaya).
HR: Teixeira (22, 7th inning off Zumaya, 2 on, 0 out).
TB: Jeter 2; Damon 3; Teixeira 6; Matsui, H 2; Posada 2; Cano 3; Cabrera, Me.
RBI: Matsui, H (41), Teixeira 3 (66).
2-out RBI: Matsui, H.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Posada 2; Cabrera, Me 3.
Team RISP: 3-for-12.
Team LOB: 11.

FIELDING
E: Burnett, A (2, pickoff).
Outfield assists: Cabrera, Me 2 (Cabrera, M at 2nd base, Laird at 1st base).
DP: 2 (Rodriguez, A-Cano-Teixeira, Cabrera, Me-Teixeira).

 

Since I am writing this post after today’s game, I’m not able to make a prediction for today. The Yankees beat the Tigers 2-1, so I will wrap up this post with the Players of the Game and move on to today’s game. I just want to say Thank You to all of those who have read my blog from the beginning, and I hope you will continue to do so throughout the rest of the season.

 

So, without any further ado, here are yesterday’s Players of the Game.

 

Players of the Game

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Mark Teixeira: 3-5 with a 3 run homerun that gave the Yankees a 5-3 lead

 

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Phil Hughes: 2 innings of “excellent” relief, striking out 6 and allowing 0 runs

*2009 All Star Game Wrap-up*

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The American League All-Star Team remained undefeated for the 13th consecutive year, defeating the National League 4-3 Wednesday night.


Roy Halladay got the start for the American League, facing Tim “The Freak” Lincecum of the National League. Halladay surrendered 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits through 2 innings, while Lincecum surrendered 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits through 2 innings. Buehrle, Greinke, Jackson, Hernandez, Papelbon, Nathan, and Rivera of the American League all pitched 1 inning each, allowing 0 runs and surrendering just 1 hit. Franklin, Haren, Billingsley, Hoffman, Cordero, Bell, and Rodriguez of the National League pitched an inning each, but allowed 2 runs on 6 hits. Papelbon earned the win for the AL and Bell took the loss for the NL. Rivera of the New York Yankees earned his fourth All Star save, setting a major league record for most career saves for an All-Star Game.

AL Starting Lineup: Ichiro Suzuki, Derek Jeter, Joe Mauer, Mark Teixeira, Jason Bay, Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, Aaron Hill, Roy Halladay
NL Starting Lineup: Hanley Ramirez, Chase Utley, Albert Pujols, Ryan Braun, Raul Ibanez, David Wright, Shane Victorino, Yadier Molina, Tim Lincecum
In the top of the first, Ichiro singled, and Jeter walked (HBP on the wrist), putting runners on first and second. Then Mauer hit a grounder to third base, where Wright stepped on the bag, but wasn’t able to get Mauer at 1st. Then Teixeira drove Jeter in with a grounder that was misplayed by Albert Pujols, resulting in an error and run #1 for the AL. Hamilton would later drive Mauer in for the AL’s second run in the first. But in the bottom of the 2nd, Yadier Molina of the Cardinals singled a ball up the middle, plating the NL’s 1st run of the evening. Molina would move to second on a throwing error by Hamilton who thew to third baseman Michael Young to get Victorino at second, but the ball bounced off the runner’s back, and rolled to the dugout, which scored Shane making it a 2-2 ballgame. Then Homerun Derby Champ Prince Fielder drove in Molina with an RBI double to left field, pushing the NL to a 3-2 lead. But the AL would get the run back, as Joe Mauer hit a double of his own to right field, plating Jeter (his second run of the game) in the fifth inning to tie things up at 3. In the bottom of the seventh, Carl Crawford stole a homerun from Bard Hawpe, making a leaping catch over the left center field wall, which turned out to be the play of the game. Crawford would later be named MVP of the game. We move to the top of the 8th where Curtis Granderson got things going, hitting a leadoff triple. Granderson scored later that inning on a sacrifice fly by the Orioles center fielder Adam Jones. Mariano Rivera was able to hold off the NL in the ninth, securing a save for the AL.

AL All-Stars AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Suzuki, I, RF 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 .333
  Jackson, E, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Morneau, 1B 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Jeter, SS 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 .000
  Bartlett, SS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Mauer, C 3 1 1 1 0 0 2 .333
  Granderson, CF 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1.000
Teixeira, 1B 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000
  Martinez, V, C 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .000
Bay, LF 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 .500
  Jones, A, RF 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 .000
Hamilton, CF 3 0 1 1 0 0 2 .333
  Hernandez, F, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Papelbon, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  b-Youkilis, PH 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1.000
  Nathan, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Rivera, Ma, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Young, M, 3B 3 0 1 0 0 0 3 .333
  c-Zobrist, PH-2B 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 .000
Hill, A, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000
  Inge, 3B 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Halladay, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
  Buehrle, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Greinke, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  a-Crawford, PH-LF 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 .333
Totals 34 4 8 3 1 3 13  
a-Singled for Greinke in the 5th. b-Singled for Papelbon in the 8th. c-Struck out for Young, M in the 8th.
BATTING
2B: Mauer (1, Billingsley).
3B: Granderson (1, Bell).
TB: Suzuki, I; Mauer 2; Granderson 3; Bay; Hamilton; Youkilis; Young, M; Crawford.
RBI: Hamilton (1), Mauer (1), Jones, A (1).
2-out RBI: Mauer.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Young, M; Teixeira; Zobrist.
SF: Jones, A.
GIDP: Young, M.
Team RISP: 1-for-7.
Team LOB: 6.

FIELDING
E: Hamilton (1, throw).
 
NL All-Stars AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Ramirez, H, SS 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .000
  Hoffman, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Gonzalez, A, 1B 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .000
Utley, 2B 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  b-Hudson, O, PH-2B 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 .500
Pujols, 1B 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Cordero, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Bell, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  e-1 0 0 0 0 1 2 .000
  Rodriguez, F, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Braun, RF-LF 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  c-Upton, J, PH-LF 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Ibanez, LF 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Hawpe, RF 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Wright, D, 3B 2 1 1 0 0 1 0 .500
  Billingsley, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Tejada, SS 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Victorino, CF 2 1 1 0 0 1 0 .500
  Werth, CF 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Molina, Y, C 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 .500
  d-McCann, PH-C 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Lincecum, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  a-Fielder, PH 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1.000
  Franklin, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Haren, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
  Zimmerman, R, 3B 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Totals 32 3 5 2 1 5 3  
a-Doubled for Lincecum in the 2nd. b-Flied out for Utley in the 6th. c-Grounded out for Braun in the 6th. d-Popped out for Molina, Y in the 8th. e-Struck out for Bell in the 8th.
BATTING
2B: Fielder (1, Halladay).
TB: Hudson, O; Wright, D; Victorino; Molina, Y; Fielder 2.
RBI: Molina, Y (1), Fielder (1).
2-out RBI: Molina, Y; Fielder.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Ramirez, H; Howard 2.
Team RISP: 2-for-4.
Team LOB: 3.

BASERUNNING
SB: Hudson, O (1, 2nd base off Nathan/Martinez, V).

FIELDING
E: Pujols (1, fielding).
DP: (Utley-Tejada-Pujols).

With the win, the AL remained undefeated through 13 consecutive years and has secured home field advantage for the World Series. Overall, it was a well played ballgame, but I would have liked to see Wakefield pitch at least an inning. I mean, the guy is 42 and is likely not going to see another All Star Game, so why not let him pitch on the night of his first All Star Game? I would have also liked to see Ian Kinsler start at second base instead of Aaron Hill. I also thought it was messed up that Figgins didn’t get to play. He flew to St. Louis a hour before game time, on short notice, and wasn’t put in the game at all! Oh well… Guess you can’t play everyone… Would’ve liked the game to go into extra innings to see everyone play.

Good luck on the second half of the season. Leave comments on your opinion of the All Star Game…Otherwise Go Yankees!

*Homerun Derby Analysis*

Prince Fielder.jpg

On Tuesday July 13th, 2009, 8 sluggers battled it out for the chance to be named the 2009 Home Run Derby Champion. Many people of St. Louis believed it would be their hometown hero Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals, but he barely managed to advance to the second round, forced to a swing-off between him, Carlos Pena of the Rays, and Joe Mauer of the Twins. Albert was able to come out victorious in the swing-off after Pena only hit 1 and Mauer, zero. 


In the second round, Pujols would have to face Ryan Howard, Nelson Cruz, and Prince Fielder. Pujols and Howard were eliminated, which left Fielder and Cruz in the finals.

I was rooting for Cruz because he was my second choice after Mauer, and I think that he was the underdog at the time. It would have been nice to see Cruz get his name out there as the Home Run King but he still was able to keep it close and put on a show for the fans. Prince walked away with the crown, after hitting 23 homers on the night, and was announced the 2009 Home Run Derby Champion. Congratulations to Prince Fielder; the 2009 Home Run Derby Champion!
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