Mussina On Path To First 20-Win Season

Mike Mussina, (10-4), continued on his way to being selected as the starting pitcher for the American League All-Star team; and, also, having his first 20-win season, as he earned his 10th victory in the Yankees 8-4 win against the Houston Astros.

The Yankees quickly fell behind in this game, 3-0, when Mike Mussina gave up a three-run homerun to Carlos Lee (3 for 4), in the first inning. Mussina settled down after giving up the homer, as he allowed the Astros no runs over the next five innings.

In the top of the 2nd, Alex Rodriguez [who was 2 for 3, with 3 runs, and 2 walks], hit a leadoff homer, which was followed by back-to-back doubles by Jason Giambi and Melky Cabrera, to cut Houston's lead to, 3-2.

The Yankees added three more runs in the 3rd inning, which moved the Yanks ahead for good in this game.

Johnny Damon (3 for 5) led off the inning with a single, and then stole second base. Jeter and Abreu both made outs which set up a situation that had a runner at second, first base open, with two outs. At this point, A-Rod was intentionally walked.

Well, this move didn't work out as expected, as Astros starter, Wandy Rodriguez, gave up back-to-back walks to the next two Yankee batters, Jason Giambi, and Melky Cabrera, [who was 2 for 2, with 3 walks, and 2 RBI's], to force home the tying run of the game.Then, Jose Molina, doubled, driving home two more runs, giving the Yankees the, 5-3, lead.

Mike Mussina lasted six innings, throwing 89 pitches, while allowing three runs [in the first inning], on 6 hits, no walks, and 4 strikeouts.

A trio of Yankee relievers - Ohlendorf, Farnsworth and, Ramirez - held the Yankees lead over the last three innings, to preserve Mike Mussina's 4th straight win, and 10th of the season. [only Ohlendorf was ineffective, as he allowed two hits, and the Astros 4th run, in his one inning of work].

The Yankees scored their 6th run on a pinch-hit, RBI single by Robinson Cano, in the 8th inning; and, their final two runs were driven home on a RBI double by Wilson Betemit [a defensive replacement for Giambi at first], in the top of the 9th, which finished off the scoring in this very impressive, 8-4, Yankees victory.     

This win was Mike Mussina's 260th of his career, which tied him with Ted Lyons for 38th on the all-time wins list. Also, this win [as with every win Mussina adds to his career total], adds more fuel to the great "Mike Mussina, Hall of Fame" debate. The closer Mussina gets to 300 career wins, the better his chances of being voted into the Hall of Fame.

The Yankees have won 8 of their last 11 games, and for the first time this season, are now three games over .500, at 36-33.