Results tagged ‘ Yankees vs. Red Sox ’
“A Season Within A Season”, 2009
* Updated: September 27, 2009 …
The New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox is the greatest “rivalry” in the history of baseball and all sports.
Every game that is played by these two great teams each year takes on a very unique meaning with a playoff atmosphere, and really becomes its own very special “season within a season” in the overall American League schedule each year.
This is the reason I coined the phrase “A Season Within A Season” for this great rivalry last year, and look to continue this special reflection on the Yankees vs. Red Sox games in 2009 and future seasons.
So, as a way of getting ready for the beginning of the games between both teams in 2009, the following is a listing of their scheduled games this upcoming year. I will offer my thoughts with updates, scores and highlights of each game throughout the year, and most importantly, look forward to all the comments, thoughts, and opinions of viewers of my mlblog.
My hope is, this ongoing season-long “post” will become a site where mlbloggers will visit throughout this season with their thoughts on each game, and any other comments or stories related to the great New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox rivalry.
Please let me know what think; and, also, feel free to offer any suggestions that you may have. Of course, I welcome all Yankee and Red Sox fans, as well as, all baseball fans, to visit any time to become a part of this great rivalry and tradition which is the most unique in baseball and all sports !!!
* Updated: Monday, August 24, 2009 … Check-out “post” below, and please offer any comments, thoughts, or observations that you may want to include in this “season-long” tribute in honor the great New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox rivalry …
Thank you, everybody, for all your visits !!!
“A Season Within A Season”, 2009 …
* Game # 1 – April 24, 2009 – Red Sox 5, Yankees 4, (11) – Fenway Park
* Game # 2 – April 25, 2009 – Red Sox 16, Yankees 11 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 3 – April 26, 2009 – Red Sox 4, Yankees 1 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 4 – May 4, 2009 - Red Sox 6, Yankees 4 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game # 5 – May 5, 2009 - Red Sox 7, Yankees 3 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game # 6 – June 9, 2009 – Red Sox 7, Yankees 0 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 7 – June 10, 2009 – Red Sox 6, Yankees 5 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 8 – June 11, 2009 – Red Sox 4, Yankees 3 (Fenway Park)
* Game # 9 - August 6, 2009 – Yankees 13, Red Sox 6 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #10 - August 7, 2009 – Yankees 2, Red Sox 0, (15) – Yankee Stadium
* Game #11 - August 8, 2009 – Yankees 5, Red Sox 0 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #12 - August 9, 2009 – Yankees 5, Red Sox 2 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #13 - August 21, 2009 - Yankees 20, Red Sox 11 (Fenway Park)
* Game #14 - August 22, 2009 - Red Sox 14, Yankees 1 (Fenway Park)
* Game #15 - August 23, 2009 - Yankees 8, Red Sox 4 (Fenway Park)
* Game #16 - September 25, 2009 – Yankees 9, Red Sox 5 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #17 - September 26, 2009 – Yankees 3, Red Sox 0 (Yankee Stadium)
* Game #18 - September 27, 2009 – Yankees 4, Red Sox 2 (Yankee Stadium)
The 2009 Baseball Season is almost here …
But, let the discussion begin “now” about baseball’s greatest rivalry …
“New York Yankees” vs. “Boston Red Sox”
Everybody, have a great day !!!
– Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
****************************************************************
* Game 1 – April 24, 2009 – Red Sox 5, Yankees 4 (11 innings)
With the Yankees leading 4-2 in the bottom of the 9th inning, with two outs, a runner on second base, Jason Bay the batter for the Red Sox, and Mariano Rivera on the mound — Mariano blew this save by serving up a long, hard hit, two-run homerun, to Bay, to straight away centerfield, that tied the score 4-4.
The game remained tied going into the bottom of the 11th inning with Damaso Marte pitching for the Yankees. After striking-out the first batter, David Ortiz, the next hitter, Kevin Youkilis blasted a long walk-off homerun over the “Green Monster” to give the Red Sox a very dramatic 5-4 victory.
The Yankees had many opportunities to score more runs in this game, including, in the top of the 9th inning, when the Yanks loaded the bases with no outs, but Robinson Cano hit into a 4-2-3 double play, and Melky Cabrera poped out to the catcher to end the rally and inning with the Yanks still leading 4-2 at the time.
For the Boston Red Sox, this was a very well deserved comeback victory.
For the New York Yankees, this was, to say the least, a very disappointing loss.
* To view boxscore, click on … Game 1 — Red Sox 5, Yankees 4
*************************
* Game 2 – April 25, 2009 — Red Sox 16, Yankees 11
– To view boxscore, click on … Game 2 — Red Sox 16, Yankees 11
* Game 3 — April 26, 2009 — Red Sox 4, Yankees 1
– To view boxscore, click on … Game 3
* Game 4 — May 4, 2009 — Red Sox 6, Yankees 4
– To view boxscore, click on … Game 4
* Game 5 — May 5, 2009 — Red Sox 7, Yankees 3
– To view boxscore, click on … Game 5
The “Season Within A Season” 2009, continues with a three-game series at Fenway Park, starting on Tuesday June 9th.
As of June 9, 2009, the Yankees are in “First Place” in the AL East.
The AL East standings are as follows …
New York Yankees 34-23 .596 –
Boston Red Sox 33-24 .579 1.0
Toronto Blue Jays 33-27 .550 2.5
Tampa Bay Rays 29-30 .492 6.0
Baltimore Orioles 24-33 .421 10.0
“Go Yankees” !!!
* Game 6 — Tuesday, June 9, 2009 — Red Sox 7, Yankees 0
– Josh Beckett (7-2) was brilliant in his start for the Red Sox, in total control throughout his six innings on the mound, allowing zero runs, on only one hit and two waks, while striking out eight batters. The Boston bullpen closed out the Sox shutout victory.
– For the Yankees, their starter, A.J. Burnett (4-3) was “awful” !!! … A.J. allowed five runs (three earned), on five hits, five walks, and one strikeout in only 2.2 innings. A two-run homer by David Ortiz in Boston’s four run second inning was the turning point of the game, as the Red Sox easily coasted to their sixth straight win vs. the Yankees this year.
– To view boxscore, click on … Game 6
* Game 7 — Wednesday, June 10, 2009 — Red Sox 6, Yankees 5
– Chien-Ming Wang started for the Yankees, and was totally ineffective, allowing four runs, on six hits, [including a homerun], and three walks, in 2.2 innings pitched. Phil Hughes replaced Wang, and was also not effective, giving up two runs, on two hits, including a home run, two walks, and five strikeouts in 3.2 innings out of the bullpen.
– The Yankees had three homeruns in the game … Posada in the 2nd inning; and back-to-back homers by Damon and Teixeira in the top of the 7th; and, Tex was 4-for-5 including two doubles with his homer; but, this power was not enough for the Bronx Bombers, as the Red Sox held on for a solid 6-5 win. Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis homered for the Sox; and, Tim Wakefield (8-3) pitched six strong innings for the victory. This was Boston’s seventh straight win against the New York Yankees this year.
– To view the boxscore, click on … Game 7
** The win in Game 7 moved the Red Sox back into first place in the AL East, one game ahead of the Yankees, as of the morning of Thursday June 11, 2009.
** The final game of this three-game series at Fenway Park continues tonight, June 11th, with CC Sabathia (5-3, 3.56) on the mound for the Yankees vs. the Red Sox starter, Brad Penny (5-2, 5.85).
Enjoy the game, everybody !!!
* Game 8 — Thursday, June 11, 2009 — Red Sox 4, Yankees 3
– A VERY CRUSHING LOSS BY THE NEW YORK YANKEES !!! … [Enough said]
– The Yankees are now “0-8″ against the Red Sox this year !!!
– To view boxscore, click on … Game 8
– Click on: Yanks 0-8 vs. Red Sox, Trying To Make Sense Of It All
______________________________________
Updated: Thursday, July 9, 2009 …
The Yankees just completed a three-game sweep of the Twins in Minnesota with a 6-4 win in the final game of the series.
The Red Sox lost their game on this day, 8-6, to the K.C. Royals at Fenway Park.
This tied the Yankees and Red Sox for first place in the AL East !!!
AL EAST STANDINGS (at the end of baseball action on July 9, 2009) …
New York Yankees 51-34 .600 –
Boston Red Sox 51-34 .600 –
Tampa Bay Rays 47-39 .547 4.5
Toronto Blue Jays 43-44 .494 9.0
Baltimore Orioles 38-47 .447 13.0
At this point in the season, the Yankees headed to the West Coast to play a three-game weekend series against the L.A. Angels, July 10-11-12th.
The Red Sox were scheduled to play the second game of a four-game weekend series vs. the K.C. Royals, July 9-10-11-12th.
These two series would end the first half of the season for the Yanks and Red Sox; and, baseball’s annual All-Star break would take place during the upcoming week, with the All-Star Game scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2009 in St. Louis.
– Jimmy, “BY&L”
______________________________________
Updated: Friday, August 7, 2009 …
AL EAST STANDINGS – (at the start of baseball action, August 6, 2009)
New York Yankees 65-42 – .607
Boston Red Sox 62-44 2.5 .585
Tampa Bay Rays 60-48 5.5 .556
Toronto Blue Jays 51-56 14.0 .477
Baltimore 45-62 20.0 .421
BRONX, NEW YORK — August 6, 2009 — The center of the baseball world now shifts to the ”Beautiful Bronx”, New York, for the start of a huge four-game weekend series between the first place New York Yankees and second place Boston Red Sox.
The Yankees are returning home from their just completed road trip that concluded with a two-game sweep of the Blue Jays 8-4 and 5-3, in Toronto.
The Red Sox travel into the Bronx from Florida, after being swept by the third place Tampa Bay Rays, 6-4 and 4-2 (13 innings), that dropped the Sox two and a half games behind the Yankees. The Rays remain five and a half games behind the Yanks.
So, let the “Season Within A Season” continue … Baseball’s greatest rivalry: the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox … as the Yankees look to get their first victory over the Red Sox this year after Boston has an 8-0 record up to this point of the 2009 season.
* Game 9 — Thursday, August 6, 2009 — Yankees 13, Red Sox 6
Well, one thing both Yankee and Red Sox fans can agree on about this contest, is: the pitching was awful by all pitchers who took the mound in this very important “must-win” game for the Yankees.
Boston starter, future Hall of Famer, John Smoltz, was hit very hard, lasting only 3.1 innings, while allowing eight runs; on nine hits, including two homeruns; four walks; and, three strikeouts. With this loss, Smoltz’s record is now 2-5 with a 8.32 ERA.
The Red Sox did stake Smoltz to a 3-1 lead as the game entered the bottom of the third, on an opposite field homer by Dustin Pedroia in the top of the second inning; and, after, Johnny Damon tied the score 1-1 with a homer in the bottom of the second, Boston newcomer, Casey Kotchman blasted a two-run homerun in the top of the third that increased the Sox lead to 3-1 at the time.
Then, the Bronx Bombers exploded in the bottom of the third inning, sending 13 batters up to the plate, in a 35-minute, eight hit, two walk, attack, that was highlighted by a three-run homer by Melky Cabrera that gave the Yanks a 5-3 lead; and, a three-run homer by Jorge Posada that capped the scoring during the Bombers eight-run spectacular display of power, putting this game out of reach for the Bosox, 9-3. [Robinson Cano and Hideki Matsui also had an RBI apiece in the middle of this rally].
In the meantime, Yankees starter, Joba Chamberlain, also did not pitch a good game, and was maybe one hit or walk away from being removed from the game before the fifth inning was completed.
With a 9-3 lead, Joba walked the bases loaded with one out in the top of the fifth before allowing a RBI single to Mike Lowell that cut the lead to 9-4. It was clear, Manager Joe Girardi was struggling with thoughts of taking Chamberlain out of this game at this point, thus eliminating Joba’s chance of getting the win if the Yanks held onto the lead.
But, Girardi showed confidence in his young starter, and Joba, to his credit, delivered the goods, striking out the next two batters, Kotchman and Green, to end the Boston rally and keep the score at 9-4 in favor of the Bombers.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Yankees increased their lead to 11-4 on a two RBI double by Hideki Matsui, but Joba Chamberlain’s night was finished.
Maybe, because Joba had an extra two days off [seven days rest instead of five days] since his last start, [and, this could become a major concern as the season continues and the Yankees braintrust stays firm with their plan to limit Joba's pitches and innings], this affected his performance on the mound tonight as he just did not have full command and control of his pitches. Joba was wild in each of the five innings he threw in this game.
Overall, Joba’s performance was the exact opposite of his fine 3-0 record since this year’s All-Star break. In five innings of work, Chamberlain threw 108 pitches, and allowed four runs; on six hits, including two homers; “seven” walks; and, five strikeouts.
Even though Joba struggled in this game, he stranded two Boston runners in each of the first and second innings without allowing a run to score; got out of the third with an inning-ending double play after giving up the Pedroia homerun; and, left the bases loaded in the fifth, ending the inning with two big strikeouts, to hold the score at 9-4 before his departure.
It was not one of Joba Chamberlain’s best efforts, by far. But, all great pitches have to battle at times when they do not have their best stuff. And to his credit, in my view, Joba Chamberlain (8-2) battled on the mound tonight, and at least earned the win by lasting five innings without any further damage against a great team. Of course, the Yankees hitting was the main reason the Bombers won this game.
The Yankees scored their final two runs on a RBI single by Derek Jeter in the sixth inning; and, Mark Teixeira’s 28th homerun in the bottom of the seventh, that increased the Bombers lead to 13-4.
Boston scored two runs in the top of the ninth, on two hits and two walks, off rookie reliever Anthony Claggett who was just recalled from (AAA) – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, completing the scoring in the Yankees 13-6 victory.
Yankee batters pounded out 18 hits, including three hits each by: Damon, Teixeira, and Posada. For the Red Sox, Pedroia had three of Boston’s eight total hits.
And, Yankee pitchers walked 12 batters, and Red Sox pitchers walked six batters, for a total of 18 base-on-balls allowed in this three-hour, fifty-two minute game before a sold-out crowd of 49,005 at the new Yankee Stadium.
Before the game, the Yankees honored Muhammad Ali … but, it was very sad that Yankees owner, George M. Steinbrenner, III was not able to attend this game and four-game series as he had planned on doing.
The “Boss” visited the Yankees team during their just completed two-game series against the Rays in Tampa Bay which greatly energized and inspired the Yankees players and coaching staff. But, because of health reasons, Mr. Steinbrenner cannot make the trip to the Bronx, and will follow this “key” series from his home in Tampa Bay, Florida.
We all wish George Steinbrenner well, and hope he will be healthy enough to attend post-season games this year, if “his” New York Yankees continue to play as well as they are playing now, and go onto the playoffs and World Series in route to their 27th World Championship.
At this point in the season, 1-8 vs. the Red Sox looks a lot better than 0-8 or 0-9 for the Yankees.
But, what looks even better, is the Yankees 66-42 record in first place, at the top of the AL East, three and a half games ahead of the second place Red Sox who now have a record of 62-45.
To view boxscore, click on: Game 9 — Yankees 13, Red Sox 6
AL EAST STANDINGS — Morning of Friday, August 7, 2009 …
Yankees 66-42 .611 –
Red Sox 62-45 .579 3.5
Rays 60-48 .556 6.0
Blue Jays 51-56 .477 14.5
Orioles 45-63 .417 21.0
– Jimmy 27NYY Curran, ”BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
_____________________________________________________________
* Game 10 – Friday, August, 7, 2009 – Yankees 2, Red Sox 0 (15 innings)
“A Classic Game For The Ages” …
Click on my post: “A Classic For The Ages In The Bronx” for my account of this great game.
Boxscore, click on: Yankees 2, Red Sox 0 (15 innings) — “An All-Time Classic”
– Jimmy, “BY&L”
_________________________________________________________
* Game 11 — Saturday, August 8, 2009 — Yankees 5, Red Sox 0
Yankees starter CC Sabathia pitched an outstanding game, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning which was broken-up on a two-out single by Jacoby Ellsbury.
Mark Teixeira stroked a RBI single in the bottom of the third, that plated Melky Cabrera, who led off the inning with a single, giving the Yanks an early 1-0 lead.
The Bombers then scored a run in the sixth on a sac-fly by Jose Molina; and, a run in the seventh on a bases loaded walk to Nick Swisher that increased the lead to 3-0.
Boston starting pitcher Clay Buchholtz (L,1-2), pitched a very good game, tossing 105 pitches over six innings of work, allowing two runs, on six hits, five walks, and three strikeouts.
Buchholtz was replaced by Ramirez who gave up the Yankees run in the seventh.
In the meantime, CC Sabathia was working on a two-hit shutout through seven and two-thirds innings, when Joe Girardi replaced CC with Phil Hughes who retired the final batter in the eight that held the score at 3-0.
Sabathia had thrown 123 pitches up to this point in the game, and if I was manager, I would have let CC stay in the game to pursue the complete game shutout. But, oh, those annoying “pitch-counts” and “innings-limitations”.
CC Sabathia (W,12-7), ended up pitching seven and two-thirds innings, while allowing no runs, on two hits, two walks, and striking out nine. A truly great performance.
The Yankees completed the scoring in this game on a two-run homer by Derek Jeter (#12), off Enrique Gonzalez in the bottom of the eight, that moved the Yanks into a 5-0 lead.
David Robertson replaced Hughes and closed out this 5-0 Yankees victory with a scoreless ninth inning after allowing two hits.
With the back-to-back shutouts, 2-0, (15 innings), and 5-0, the Yankees pitching staff has now held the Red Sox batters scoreless over the last 24 innings.
The Yanks have now won the first three games in this very imortant four-game series, and go for the ”sweep” in the final game on Sunday night, August 9th.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 5, Red Sox 0
– Jimmy, “BY&L”
_________________________________________________________
Updated: Monday, August 10, 2009 …
* Game 12 — Sunday, August 9, 2009 — Yankees 5, Red Sox 2
With this 5-2 victory, the New York Yankees “swept” the four-game weekend series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, in the Beautiful Bronx, New York !!!!
This game featured another pitcher’s duel as Andy Pettitte of the Yankees battled Jon Lester of the Red Sox, zero for zero, inning by inning, into the bottom of the seventh when Alex Rodriguez broke the deadlock by blasting a solo homerun (#21), that gave the Bronx Bombers a 1-0 lead. This was A-Rod’s second big homer of this series …
Of course, the first dramatic homer was a two-run shot into the Red Sox bullpen in leftfield, in the bottom of the 15th inning of the “classic” 0-0 pitcher’s duel in the second game of this series. Rodriguez’s two-out, walk-off, two-run homer, drove home Derek Jeter, who led off the inning with a single, ahead of A-Rod’s game-winning homer that gave the Yankees a 2-0 victory in one of the “greatest games ever played”, and certainly, one of the most “exciting gamers I have ever seen”.
Both managers decided to go to the bullpen after the seventh inning of the final game, dictated, once again, by the dreaded “pitch count” totals of “both” starting pitchers who were “brilliant” in this playoff-like game.
Jon Lester threw a strong 107 pitches over seven innings of work, allowing one run, on the A-Rod homer; five hits; no walks, while striking out seven.
Yankees starter, Andy Pettitte, was solid in his seven shutout innings on the mound, giving up five hits, two walks, and striking out four batters.
In a puzzling move, in my view, Yankees manager Joe Girardi replaced Pettitte with Phil Coke at the start of the eight inning. Why take Andy Pettitte out of this game when he is pitching so well? And, if Girardi was so intent on going to the bullpen, why didn’t he bring in Phil Hughes?
Now, after the game Girardi gave is reasons for this move, saying he did not want to use Hughes in three straight games. Phil Hughes pitched to only one batter in each of the last two games, so how tired or over-worked could he be?
But, the real question, in my opinion, is: Why was CC Sabathia removed with two outs in the eight inning, and replaced by Phil Hughes, while pitching a shutout over seven and two thirds innings in his brilliant start in the third game of this series? Certainly, CC should have been allowed to complete the eight inning, even though he had already thrown 123 pitches. Then, if Girardi still wanted to bring in David Robertson in the ninth inning, which “was” the move that he made in that game — it would have at least saved Hughes from taking the mound in Game Three, thus saving him for the final game in this series on Sunday night.
But, as it turned out, it was already decided by Girardi before the game that Phil Hughes would not pitch in the final game. And, Alfredo Aceves was also not available because of back problems. So, Phil Coke got the call, when I think the obvious decision would have been to just let Andy Pettitte stay in the game for at least one more inning, the eight, and, then, go to Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning.
Coke struck out the first batter, Jacoby Ellsbury. Then, Dustin Pedroia stroked a single, and newly acquired Victor Martinez blasted a long two-run homer that ended the Yankees 31 consecutive scoreless innings against the Sox in this series, and shocked the sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd as the the Red Sox took a 2-1 lead.
After, Kevin Youkilis singled for the Sox third straight hit, Coke did prevent further damage by getting Jason Bay to ground into a 6-4-3 double play that ended the inning. This was the first game of the series that the injured Bay played, and that was good news for the Yankees as Jason Bay hit really well against the Yanks in previous games this year.
Red Sox 2, Yankees 1, as the game entered the bottom of the eight inning.
Boston manager Terry Francona made the call to the bullpen, replacing Jon Lester after 107 pitches thrown, with hard-throwing rookie reliever Daniel Bard.
Bard retired pinch-hitter Hideki Matsui and Derek Jeter for a quick two outs.
Johnny Damon was the next batter up, and “BAM” !!! Damon unloaded his 21st homer, a crushing shot over the wall in right-centerfield to tie this very exciting game 2-2.
The Yankee Stadium crowd was rocking like it was an October post-season big-game event; and, then, when Mark Teixeira lofted a high arching Ruthian blast into the beautiful night air of the new ballpark in the Bronx, that landed into the second deck of the short rightfield porch for a homerun that moved the Bombers into the 3-2 lead, it felt as if the Yankees had just won another World Series, as this August evening was transformed into another “classic game”, a percursor, maybe, to many more classic moments in this year’s “Fall Classic”.
The go-ahead homer by Tex was his league leading 29th of the season, and, also, the sixth time that both he and Damon hit back-to-back homers in a game this year, a new all-time Yankee record for back-to-back homeruns by the same two players in a Yankee lineup.
Just think about that for a moment …
Of all the great Yankee players that hit back-to-back in the same lineup, including: Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig; Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig; Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra; Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris; Thurman Munson and Bobby Murcer; Chris Chambliss and Reggie Jackson; Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield; and, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez, to name a few combinations — it is now Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira who hold this very extraordinary Yankee record. A very fine performance and special record, indeed.
After the game, Mark Teixeira said about his homer, this was the closest you can get to a walk-off, game-winning homer during the game. And, when Teixeira hit the ball, he held his bat up in the air when he was running to first base, as if to point the homerun ball into the seats.
But, it was still the eight inning, and the Yankees were not done yet with this late-inning rally.
A-Rod walked, and Francona replaced Daniel Bard (L,0-1) with Hideki Okajima.
Okajima promptly gave-up a double to Jorge Posada, and a two-RBI single to Nick Swisher that capped-off the scoring in the Bombers four-run outburst that increased their lead to 5-2.
Mariano Rivera closed out this come-from-behind 5-2 victory by pitching a scoreless ninth inning, recording his 32th save.
Phil Coke (4-3) who blew the lead in this game, was credited with the win, but certainly, did nothing to earn this win. But, as I stated above, in my view, Coke should not have been brought into this game.
Bullpen management, and stretching out the innings of the starters by the Yankees braintrust will be “crucial” to the New York Yankees success the rest of the way on their journey to their 27th World Championship.
It’s time to eliminate “pitch-counts” and “innings limitations” on the Yankees pitching staff.
But, on this August weekend, the New York Yankees delivered an awesome performance sweeping four games over the second place Boston Red Sox that showed at this point in the season the Yankees are the best team in the AL East.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees Sweep Red Sox With 5-2 Win
AMERICAN LEAGUE STANDINGS – (Monday, Morning, August, 10, 2009) …
AL EAST
New York Yankees 69-42 .622 —
Boston Red Sox 62-48 .564 6.5 (tied with Texas – wild card)
Tampa Bay Rays 61-50 .550 8.0
Toronto Blue Jays 53-57 .482 15.5
Baltimore Orioles 46-65 .414 23.0
AL WEST
L.A. Angels 65-44 .596 —
Texas Rangers 62-48 .564 3.5 (tied with Boston – wild card)
Seattle Mariners 58-53 .523 8.0
Oakland A’s 49-62 .441 17.0
AL CENTRAL
Detroit Tigers 59-51 .536 —
Chicago White Sox 57-55 .509 3.0
Minnesota Twins 54-57 .486 5.5
Cleveland Indians 48-63 .432 11.5
Kansas City Royals 43-68 .387 16.5
Everybody, have a great day !!!
Thanks for all your visits and excellent comments and thoughts !!!
– Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
_________________________________________________________
Updated: Friday, August 21, 2009
The first place New York Yankees (76-45) continue their 10 game road trip with a big three-game series against the second place Boston Red Sox (69-51) at Fenway Park.
So far the Bronx Bombers have a record of (5-2) on this trip after winning three of four games vs. the Seattle Mariners, and two of three games against the Oakland A’s.
Friday, August 21, 2009 …
* Game 13 — “A Season Within A Season” — Yankees 20, Red Sox 11
To view boxscore, click on: Yanks Out-Slug Red Sox, 20-11
To read my “post” on my blog about this game, click on …
“Yankees Blast Red Sox in a 20-11 Rout”
– Jimmy, “BY&L”
____________________________________________________________
Updated: Sunday, August 23, 2009 …
* Game 14 – Saturday, August 22, 2009 – Red Sox 14, Yankees 1
The New York Yankees pitching was terrible in this game, as the Boston Red Sox lit up Yankees starter A.J. Burnett (10-7), to the tune of nine runs; on nine hits, including three homers and three doubles, and two walks, during Burnett’s 97 pitch, five innings of work.
The Sox took an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a two RBI double by David Ortiz, and a RBI single by Jason Bay. Then, Boston put this game out of reach for the Yanks with a four run outburst in the second when Alex Gonzalez hit a solo homer (#1) to up the score to 4-0; and, after walks to Dustin Pedroia and Victor Martinez, a three-homer by Kevin Youkilis (#21) increased the Red Sox lead to 7-0.
In the fifth inning, Boston completed their bashing of A.J. Burnett on a two-out homer by Ortiz (#20), which was followed by back to back doubles by Bay and J.D. Drew that upped Boston’s lead to 9-0.
The Yankees bullpen was just as ineffective as the awful performance turned in by Burnett, as Alfredo Aceves allowed three runs in the sixth on a two-out double by Pedroia; a RBI single by Martinez; and, Kevin Youkilis’ second homer (#22) of the game, a two-run blast that further embarrassed the Yanks 12-0.
In the meantime, Boston starter Junichi Tazawa (2-2), pitched a very good game, throwing six strong shutout innings, allowing eight hits and two walks while striking out two. This was a great comeback effort for Tazawa, who in his last appearance against the Yankees, [his first time on the mound in the Major Leagues], he gave up the game winning, walk-off, two run homer to Alex Rodriguez in the bottom of the 15th inning of that classic pitcher’s duel, on August 7, 2009, at Yankee Stadium, which the Yankees won 2-0.
Nick Swisher broke up the Red Sox shutout with a solo homer (#21) off reliever Daniel Bard that made the score 12-1 at the time.
David Robertson replaced Aceves at the start of the eight inning, and once again, Boston scored more runs [after two outs]. Pedroia, Casey Kotchman, and Youkilis hit three straight doubles that completed the scoring in this 14-1 Red Sox victory.
A major key to the Boston Red Sox win in this game was the fact that they scored 13 of their 14 runs after two outs in the individual innings that they scored.
This was a very embarrassing loss for the New York Yankees in the middle game of this very important three-game series at Fenway Park, a game that was broadcast on FOX’s Saturday Baseball Game Of The Week.
To view boxscore, click on: Red Sox 14, Yankees 1
– Jimmy, “BY&L”
_________________________________________________________
Updated: Monday, August 24, 2009 …
* Game 15 – Sunday, August 23, 2009 – Yankees 8, Red Sox 4
Sabathia Out-Lasts Beckett for 15th win; Yanks Beat Sox, 8-4 …
The New York Yankees got right back on the winning track with a big 8-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox in the rubber game of their three-game showdown at Fenway Park on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball Game of the Week.
With this victory, the first place Yankees (78-46) increased their lead to seven and a half games over the second place Red Sox (70-53) in the AL East.
Also, after starting off this season 0-8 vs. the Red Sox, the Yankees have now narrowed the gap to 6-9 in the 2009 version of “A Season Within A Season”.
The Yankees have a chance to tie the season series 9-9, when they play the Red Sox three more games this season, September 25-26-27th at Yankee Stadium.
The story of this game was the five homers that the Yankees hit off Boston starter Josh Beckett (14-5), who threw 120 pitches over eight disappointing [for Red Sox fans] innings; while allowing eight runs; on nine hits; no walks; and five strikeouts.
Derek Jeter led off the game by hitting the first pitch over the right centerfield fence for his 16th home run of the year, and quick 1-0 Yankees lead.
Hideki Matsui followed ”The Captain’s” lead by also hitting a first pitch homer (#22), into the right field bleachers, in the top of the second inning, that increased the Bronx Bombers lead to 2-0.
After Boston tied the score 2-2 in the bottom of the second, the Yankees upped their lead to 4-2 on a Mark Teixeira RBI single, and RBI ground out by Alex Rodrigiuez in the top of the third.
Robinson Cano crushed his 19th homer of the year, in the fourth, [the Yanks third homer in this game], that kept the pressure on Beckett and the Sox as the Yanks moved ahead by 5-2 in the game.
Boston scored again in the bottom of the fourth inning to cut the Yankees lead to 5-3.
Then, in the top of the fifth, with Damon on first base, and two outs, Alex Rodriguez stroked a solid line drive that just cleared the top of the Green Monster into the seats on top of the wall for his 22nd homer that increased the Bombers lead to 7-3.
The Red Sox cut the lead to 7-4 in the bottom of the sixth, before Hideki Matsui capped the scoring by hitting his second homer (#23) of the game, in the top of the eight, the Yanks fifth homer of the game off Josh Beckett, for the 8-4 lead.
CC Sabathia (15-7), pitched a solid game, not his best, but good enough to earn the victory.
CC lasted 6.2 innings, tossing 118 pitches, while giving up four runs (three earned); on eight hits; no walks; and eight strikeouts. Also, this win elevates CC Sabathia into the American League Cy Young Award conversation. And, in my view, I would suggest that Mariano Rivera should also be included in the Cy Young Award discussion.
Phil Hughes replaced CC in this game and built a strong ”Bridge to Mariano” holding the Yankees 8-4 lead as the game entered the bottom of the ninth inning.
It was not a save situation, but Mariano Rivera closed out this very important 8-4 Yankees victory over the Red Sox, by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
The Yankees are now 27-9 since the All-Star break, winning 10 of the 11 series’ since the mid-summer All-Star Game, including six straight winning series.
The 2009 season now continues with the New York Yankees in first place in the AL East, seven and a half games over the second place Boston Red Sox.
And, the Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry continues …
At Yankee Stadium during the weekend of September 25-26-27, 2009.
To view boxscore, click on: Yankees 8, Red Sox 4
– Jimmy, “BY&L”
_____________________________________________________________
Game 16 – Yankees 9, Red Sox 5 – Boxscore: Game 16
______________________________________________________________
Game 17 – Yankees 3, Red Sox 0 – Boxscore: Game 17
______________________________________________________________
Game 18 – Yankees 4, Red Sox 2 – Boxscore: Game 18
______________________________________________________________
A Classic For The Ages In The Bronx …
Before the first game of this four-game weekend series between the Yankees and Red Sox, the New York Yankees honored Muhammah Ali. Maybe the presence of this great boxing legend inspired both teams to treat this crucial series like a World Class Championship Boxing Match.
In the first game on Thursady night, both the Yankees and Red Sox slugged it out like an old-fashioned street brawl, battling on the field, and on the mound, to the final out when the Yankees were the last team standing, victorious with a 13-6 win.
The Bronx Bombers pounded out 18 hits, including four home runs, and put this game out of reach for the Sox with a power explosive eight-run third inning that moved the Yanks into a 9-3 lead at the time.
This inning was highlighted by a pair of three-run homers by Melky Cabrera and Jorge Posada, and basically ended future Hall of Famer John Smoltz’s comeback attempt, as the Boston starter was designated for assignment the following day.
The Yankees power surge also included a pair of solo homers by Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira that helped to hold off the Red Sox eight-hit attack, which included a homer by Dustin Pedroia, and a two-run homer by Boston newcomer Casey Kotchman.
The pitching in this game was awful by both teams, as all pitchers who took the mound struggled to keep runners off base and keep the score down. Yankee pitchers allowed 12 walks, and Red Sox hurlers gave up six base-on-balls.
Joba Chamberlain by far did not throw his best game, and got in and out of trouble in basically every inning he pitched. He was one hit or walk away from being taken out of this game before he completed a full five innings of work. But, Chamberlain (8-2) did hold on long enough to strike out the final two batters in a one-out, bases loaded situation in the top of the fifth that kept the score at 9-4 before he departed, which enabled him to be credited with the win.
So, this game ended up being a slugfest with the Yankees winning 13-6, to increase their lead to three and a half games over the second place Boston Red Sox.
A Classic Game For The Ages …
The second game of this “Summer Showdown”, Game #10 of the Yankees vs. Red Sox “Season Within A Season”, which was billed as a great pitching matchup between A.J. Burnett of the Yankees and Josh Beckett of the Red Sox, was just that, indeed.
Oh, boy, did this advance billing live up to all the hype.
Both pitchers were brilliant, engaged in an old-fashioned pitchers duel matching zero for zero on a perfect night for baseball in the Beautiful Bronx.
Josh Beckett thew 115 pitches over seven solid innings, allowing no runs, on four hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts.
A.J. Burnett was just as dominant, tossing 118 pitches throughout seven and two-third innings without allowing a run; while giving up only one hit, to Jacoby Ellsbury leading off the game; and, six walks, and six strikeouts.
The game entered the eight inning still tied 0-0 with the bullpen now in control of the outcome, as the sold-out crowd at Yankee Stadium was mesmerized by what was taking place on the basebll diamond in front of them.
Watching this game at home on the YES Network, I could feel the same tension and excitement as the faithful at the Stadium.
This game was like a Championship Fight, round by round, inning by inning, both the Yankees and Red Sox were battling for the prize — a victory, and another game up in the AL East standings.
Phil Hughes got the final out in the top of the eight inning, and it was now the battle of the bullpens as seven Red Sox relievers would continue the duel, pitch by pitch, out by out, with five pitchers out of the Yankees pen.
Mariano Riveria struck out two batters and closed out the ninth inning.
Alfredo Aceves turned in a solid effort pitching the 10th, 11th, and 12th innings, allowing only one hit, one walk, and striking out three, for the Yanks; while, Okajima, Bard, Ramirez, Papelbon, and Delcarmen also delivered scoreless performances for the Red Sox.
At the end of the 9th: 0-0
Extra innings ..
At the end of the 10th: 0-0
At the end of the 11th: 0-0
At the end of the 12th: 0-0
Brian Bruney, who has not been pitching well, took the mound for the Yanks in the top of the 13th; and, once again, the bullpen kept zero’s up on the scoreboard, as he retired the side in order, including two strikeouts. Saito also pitched a scoreless inning in the bottom of the 13th, moving the game into the 14th still tied: 0-0.
Bruney came out to start the 14th inning, and got into a little trouble when Kevin Youkilis doubled with one out. Then, after David Ortiz grounded out, the Yankees intentionally walked J.D. Drew that put two runners on base with two outs. But, Bruney retired the next batter Jason Varitek on a grounder to second for the final out of the inning.
In the bottom of the 14th, it looked like the Yankees would win the game when Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano hit back-to-back singles with one out against rookie reliever Junichi Tazawa who was making his first appearance in the Major Leagues.
Eric Hinski was up next and stroked a solid line drive to right field that had “game-winning” hit all over it. But, J.D. Drew made a great running catch for the second out that saved the game for the Red Sox at that point.
Melky Cabrera was now up, and lined a shot right down the right field line that landed just inches from being a fair ball RBI single that would have won the game. Oh, so close to winning the game. Tazawa then struck out Melky to end the inning, sending the game into the 15th still tied: 0-0.
Phil Coke pitched an easy one-two-three top of the 15th, moving the game into the bottom of inning still tied: 0-0.
The way this game was going, it looked like it would go on forever. But, if that was the case, I know, I for one, would be there for every pitch right to the end because this was one of the most exciting baseball games that I have ever seen, and the longer it went on, the more exciting it became.
The “Captain” Derek Jeter led off the bottom of the 15th with a bloop single to center field; and, after Damon grounded out, and Teixeira struckout, Alex Rodriguez was the next batter up with two outs and Tazawa still on the mound.
The crowd still could not believe what a special game and event they were watching, as Rodriguez stepped up to the plate to face the rookie reliever with the winning run on base.
First pitch. Ball
Next pitch. Strike, looking. (1-1)
Outside. Ball. (2-1)
The crowd is on its feet, cheering for a game-winning hit.
Tazawa sets himself on the mound.
The pitch, breaking ball over the middle off the plate …
And, there it goes …
A-Rod has done it,
A HOMERUN TO LEFTFIELD INTO THE RED SOX BULLPEN !!!
THE YANKEES WIN, THE YANKEES WIN, THE YANKEES WIN
The Yankees win one of the greatest games ever played, 2-0 !!!
And, all it took was five hours and 33 minutes, and two days to earn the victory.
– Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Playoff Baseball In August …
Well, the first part of the big playoff week in August is now in the books.
The New York Yankees traveled up to Toronto for a two-game series, and swept the Blue Jays 5-3 and 8-4 … while, the Boston Red Sox played a two-game series in Tampa Bay, and were swept by the Rays, 4-2 and 6-4.
Both wins were big for the Yankees, especially the first game against All-Star starter Roy “Doc” Halladay, in which the Bronx Bombers blasted three homers off the good doctor that led to a very important victory. The home runs were hit by Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira, and Hideki Matsui. A shaky save by Mariano Rivera sealed the deal, preserving the Yankees victory.
In the second game against the Blue Jays, Sergio Mitre started for the Yanks and did not last a full five innings, pitching only 4.1 innings while allowing three runs; on eight hits, including a homerun; two walks; and, three strikeouts. Alfredo Aceves replaced Mirte, and was credited with the win. Aceves record is now 7-1.
In my view, I think it is time to end the Sergio Mitre experiminent as the Yankees fifth starter. The Yankees are in a pennant race, and if the budget will not allow the addition of a quality starting pitcher, then the perfect pitcher for that spot in the rotation is Alfredo Aceves.
The big inning for the Yankees was in the 7th, when Nick Swisher tied the score 3-3 with his 18th homer of the year. Then, RBI base hits by Matsui, Damon, and Teixeira capped off the four-run rally, moving the Yankees into the 6-3 lead.
Johnny Damon completed the scoring with his 19th home run of the season in the ninth inning, framing the Yankees 8-4 victory.
The Red Sox lost two big games to the Rays in Florida, the first an exciting 13 inning contest in which the Rays tied the game 2-2 on an Evan Longoria homer in the eight inning; and, won the extra innings affair 4-2 on a two out, walk-off, two-run homer by Longoria in the bottom of the 13th.
The Rays won the second game of the series, 6-4, to move the numbers around again in the AL East standings, and drop the Bosox to two and a half games behind the first place New York Yankees. Tampa Bay remains in third place, five and a half games back of the Bombers.
Now the center of the “baseball world” moves to the Beautiful Bronx, New York, this weekend, to continue the great Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry.
Of all the playoff and World Series games that have been played in October, a four-game series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in any month is just as exciting and important as any game in the Fall … especially, when first place is on the line.
So, let the baseball action begin, and the great Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry continue.
”A Season Within A Season”
photo credits:
google images
cache .daylife .com
– Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Mussina’s Final Start Ends With 20th Win Of Season
Mike Mussina finally reached the magic 20 win mark in a season, as the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox, 6-2, in the first game of a day/night doubleheader at Fenway Park.
After winning the first game of this three game series against the Sox, 19-8, on Friday, Saturday’s game was rained out. This resulted in the scheduled doubleheader on Sunday, the final day of the regular season. The rain also threatened to cancel these two games, but the on and off rainy day was clear enough to play, thankfully for Mussina. If these games were rained-out, they would not have been made up, because they would not have affected the final standings.
Mussina (20-9) threw only 73 pitches, over six solid shutout innings, allowing three hits, and two walks, while striking out three, and lowering his ERA to 3.37.
This victory was Mussina’s 270th career win, tying him with Burleigh Grimes, for 33th on the all-time wins list. Also, Mussina, 39, became the oldest pitcher to get his first 20-win season this late in his career.
Xavier Nady provided the Yankees with all the runs they would need, by hitting a three-run homer, off Boston starter, Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-3), in the top of the 4th inning.
With the 3-0 lead, Mussina got into his only trouble of the game in the bottom of the 4th, when Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz started off the inning by hitting back to back singles. But, Mussina got Kevin Youkilis to fly out to centerfield for the first out of the inning; and, then, J.D. Drew grounded into a double play, to end the inning without any further damage.
Mike Mussina’s start was finished after six innings; now it was up to the Yankees bullpen to hold the lead, and preserve Moose’s 20th win.
Phil Coke pitched a scoreless 7th inning, and was replaced by Joba Chamberlain in the 8th. Joba only faced two batters, though, allowing a lead-off walk, and then a double, bringing the tying run to the plate. At this point, Joe Girardi decided to make another pitching change, and brought Brian Bruney into the game.
Bruney allowed one run to score; and, was replaced by Damaso Marte, who allowed another run to score, cutting the Yankes lead to 3-2.
There were now two outs in the 8th, and Girardi made the call to Mariano Rivera to get the final four outs of the game. Rivera ended the rally by striking-out Dustin Pedroia on three straight pitches, the last one a swinging strike-three.
As it started to rain again, the Yankees scored three more insurance runs in the top of the 9th, off Boston closer, Jonathan Papelbon.
Robinson Cano (3-for-4) led off the inning with a single. Cody Ransom then grounded a perfect hit and run ball up the middle, setting up a first and third situation, with no outs. Jose Molina was up next, and hit a RBI sac fly to rightfield, driving home Cano for a 4-2 lead.
Brett Gardner then singled; and, Johnny Damon walked, to load the bases with Melky Cabrera coming up to the plate. Melky hit a RBI fielders choice grounder to third, that increased the Yanks lead to 5-2.
Alex Rodriguez was up next, with runners on second and third, and two outs. A-Rod completed the scoring by hitting a RBI single, for the 6-2 Yankees lead.
Papelbon struck-out Miranda for the final out of the inning. But, for Papelbon, this was the first time in his career that he ever gave up more than two runs in an appearance. So, as they say, you always see something you never seen before in each game. Well, today, it was the first time Papelbon gave up at least three runs in a game.
The ”Great” Mariano closed out the Yankees 6-2 victory, and Mike Mussina’s 20th win of the season, by pitching a scoreless 9th inning, recording his 39th save.
Congratulations to Mike Mussina, for his outstanding 20-9 season !!!
Two Wins Against Rays Are Just Not Enough
The Yankees entered yesterday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays riding a three-game winning streak, taking the first three games of this very important ten-game road trip they are now on. But, the Bombers lost 7-5 to the Rays last night, to fall 11 games behind the first place Rays; and 8 games behind the Boston Red Sox, as the season continues to fade away.
To state the obvious, with 22 games remaining, time is running out for the New York Yankees.
I open this forum for all your thoughts …
– How will the Yankees 2008 season end ?
– What do the Yankees have to do to improve the team in 2009 ?
– Are there any other concerns regarding the whole Yankees Organization ?
Let the discussion begin !!!
Giambi Saves Yankees Season, for now
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher, Jon Lester, was pitching a 2-0 shutout, in yesterday’s 3-2 comeback Yankees victory, when he was replaced by reliever, Hideki Okajima, with a runner on second, and two outs, in the bottom of the 7th inning.
In the past, a starting pitcher would have remained in the same kind of game that Lester was pitching yesterday. But, after Cody Ransom doubled, the hook was given to the pitcher throwing a shutout. Just another pitching decision based on ”pitch-count”, [Lester did throw 119 pitches up to this point], that has become the “norm” throughout baseball.
In this case, the move turned out to be a good one for the Yankees, as Jason Giambi was sent up to pinch hit; and, on one swing “Saved The Yankees Season” — at least, for now — by hitting a long, game tying, two run homerun, deep over the centerfield fence, off the base of the old centerfield bleachers to tie the score 2-2.
This homerun insured that both starting pitchers would not get a decision in the game, thus, wasting two excellent pitching performances by Mike Mussina and Jon Lester.
So, the Yankees had life in them.
The game moved into the bottom of the 9th inning, still tied 2-2.
Xavier Nady singled, and was replaced by Brett Gardner, who promptly stole second base. An intentional walk was issued to Hideki Matsui; and, Ivan Rodriguez also walked, loading the bases.
Red Sox closer, Jonathan Papelbon, was brought in to face the next batter, Jason Giambi.
Giambi worked the count to (0-2), and then on a high outside fastball, stroked a solid line drive hit to left centerfield, for the walk-off game winning RBI, as the Yankees avoided the sweep by the Red Sox, with the 3-2 win in this game.
Mariano Rivera, (5-5), who recorded four outs, was the winning pitcher for the Yankees; and, Jason Giambi was the hero, keeping the Yankees in this pennant race.
Until the numbers say otherwise, there still is hope that the Yankees will play baseball in October.
Babe Ruth Must Be Crying !!!
Red Sox 11, Yankees 3
VERY SIMPLY … EMBARRASSING !!!
AL EAST STANDINGS
Tampa Bay Rays 80 – 51 .611 —
Boston Red Sox 77 – 55 .583 3.5
New York Yankees 70 – 62 .530 10.5
Toronto Blue Jays 68 – 64 .515 12.5
Baltimore Orioles 63 – 70 .474 18.0
AL CENTRAL
Chicago White Sox 76 – 57 .571 —
Minnesota Twins 75 – 58 .564 1.0
AL WEST
L.A. Angels 80 – 52 .606 —
Yankees Look Flat In 7-3 Loss To Red Sox
Something just didn’t seem right in last night’s Yankees vs. Red Sox game, as the Yankees looked totally flat in their 7-3 loss to Boston. And, the sold-out Stadium crowd could sense something was wrong, as they were not into this game, at all.
In the past, in a big “playoff-type” series, like this one against the Red Sox, the Yankee Stadium crowd would be electric, filled with excitement, expecting a great game with the outcome being a Yankees victory.
That was not the case last night, as the Yankee faithful gave the impression that they hoped the Yankees would win, but expected the unthinkable, another loss, in a must-win first game, of a must-win series against their long-time rivals the Boston Red Sox.
The game started out good for the Yankees, as Johnny Damon hit a leadoff, first inning homerun, off Boston starter, Tim Wakefield (8-8), that wrapped around the rightfield foul pole, giving the Bombers a quick 1-0 lead.
Boston evened the score, 1-1, in the top of the second inning on an RBI single by Jacoby Ellsbury; but, the Yankees took the lead again in the bottom of the second, 2-1, on three straight singles by Matsui, Cano, and a RBI single by Jose Molina.
This see-saw battle continued into the top of the third inning, as the Sox moved ahead, on back-to-back doubles by David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis, that tied the score, 2-2; and, then, a RBI single by Jason Bay plated Youkilis for the 3-2 lead.
Yankees starting pitcher, Andy Pettitte, had trouble from the beginning of this game, walking two batters in the first, but leaving them stranded without a run scoring; and, after allowing the two runs to score in the third, got out of the no out, runner on first, situation by throwing a double play grounder to Jed Lowrie, and striking-out Coco Crisp, to hold the score at 3-2.
It was clear, though, that Pettitte was not going to last long in this game. He was throwing a lot of pitches, getting his pitches up, and was not getting close strike calls by home-plate umpire, Jim Reynolds. It looked like Reynolds was squeezing Andy, and this even concerned Joe Girardi, as he went to the mound at one point just to draw the home plate ump out there so he could question exactly where Reynolds’ strike zone was — on this night.
With instant replay being introduced into the “Game of Baseball” this weekend, one wonders if this “misguided, knee-jerk” policy, which at the moment will only be used for questionable homerun and foul ball calls, will open a can of worms, and one day also be used for close calls at first; close calls on the bases; stolen-base attempts; and, eventually, to record balls and strikes.
I bring this issue up because all these calls, and decisions, by the umpires, are part of the human element of the sport of baseball, and part of what makes baseball such a great sport. It’s all part of the history, lore, and charm of the game.
Andy Pettitte was finished in this game, in the 5th inning; but, after the game did not make any excuses, or blame the close calls by the home plate umpire for his lack of success in this big game. Andy was “very upset” by his bad pitching performance, and excepts the fact that calls by the umpires are not reasons for a player having a bad game.
The Red Sox knocked Andy Pettitte out of the game with a two-out rally in the top of the 5th inning. Four straight singles did the damage.
Singles by Jason Bay, Jed Lowrie, Coco Crisp, combined to score the first run of the inning; and, Jeff Bailey completed the damage, stroking a two RBI single that increased the Sox lead to 6-2. Brian Bruney replaced Pettitte, and ended the inning by getting catcher, Kevin Cash, to ground out to third.
Andy Pettitte (13-10), threw 101 pitches in only 4 2/3 innings, allowing six runs, on ten hits, three walks, and three strikeouts.
In the bottom of the 5th, Johnny Damon’s second homer of the night, which also wrapped around the rightfield foul pole, made the score, 6-3; but, Boston scored again in the top of the 6th, when Brian Bruney walked the bases loaded, and then gave up a sac-fly RBI to Jason Bay, that completed the scoring in this game, 7-3. Totally unacceptable for any reliever to come into a game, and give up all those walks.
Also, unacceptable, is the performance by Alex Rodriguez in last night’s game.
Rodriguez was (0-for-5), grounding into two double plays, and striking-out two times, including striking-out for the final out of the game.
The only sign of life by the Stadium crowd [that I noticed], was in the top of the 7th inning, when the Yankees had a chance to tie this game.
Ivan Rodriguez, pinch-hitting for Molina, struck-out, swinging, to start the inning off. Then, Johnny Damon walked; Derek Jeter singled; and, Bobby Abreu, also, reached first on a great at bat, working the count to (3-2), before taking a ball four pitch, setting-up a bases loaded situation, with Alex Rodriguez coming up as the game-tying run at the plate.
A-Rod’s at bat didn’t last long. He took the first pitch for a strike; and, then, on the next pitch, grounded to short for a rally ending, inning ending, 6-6-3 double play. As Rodriguez crossed first base after the third out was recorded, the Yankee Stadium crowd made their displeasure known by very loudly booing the terrible performance by Alex Rodriguez.
Yes Network broadcaster, Michael Kay, summed up Alex Rodriguez’s, at-bat, game, and season perfectly, after the double play ended the 7th inning:
“Alex Rodriguez is having a dreadful season, in big spots, and clutch situations”
After the inning ending double play, and when the boos were finished, a very quiet hush overtook the crowd, as I think all Yankee fans, in the Stadium, and watching on TV, were in a total state of shock.
This game was basically over after that key moment; and, maybe, also, the Yankees season.
In the bottom of the 9th, Jonathan Papelbon closed out the Red Sox 7-3 victory, recording his 34th save, by striking-out Alex Rodriguez for the final out of the game.
A fitting ending that highlighted a very devastating loss.
“A Season Within A Season”, continues …
The New York Yankees vs. The Boston Red Sox, the greatest rivalry in the history of baseball and all sports, continues this week with a big three-game series, at Yankee Stadium, in the Beautiful, Bronx, New York.
This great “Season Within A Season” 2008 series, after 12 games played so far, is tied 6-6, with six games remaining – the three games this week in New York; and, the final three games of the season, on September 26-27-28th, at Fenway Park, in Boston.
Both series’ are very important, with ”wild card” implications; and, also, first place in the AL EAST still in play, until the numbers, and “won – loss” records, say otherwise.
As reported by Bryan Hoch, on his awesome, Yankees “Bombers Beat” mlblog, the scheduled starting pitchers in the Yankees vs. Red Sox three-game series, are:
Tues, 8/26 — Andy Pettitte (13-9, 4.17 ERA) vs. Tim Wakefield (7-8, 3.67 ERA)
Wed, 8/27 — Sidney Ponson (7-4, 4.67 ERA) vs. Paul Byrd (8-11, 4.61)
Thur, 8/28 — Mike Mussina (16-7, 3.45 ERA) vs. Jon Lester (12-5, 3.49 ERA)
The results of the first 12 games the Yankees and Red Sox played in the 2008 season …
Game # 1 – April 11 – Yankees 4, Red Sox 1 @ Boston
Game # 2 – April 12 – Red Sox 4, Yankees 3 @ Boston
Game # 3 – April 13 – Red Sox 8, Yankees 5 @ Boston
Game # 4 – April 16 – Yankees 15, Red Sox 9 @ New York
Game # 5 – April 17 – Red Sox 7, Yankees 5 @ New York
Game # 6 – July 3 – Red Sox 7, Yankees 0 @ New York
Game # 7 – July 4 – Red Sox 6, Yankees 4 @ New York
Game # 8 – July 5 – Yankees 2, Red Sox 1 @ New York
Game # 9 – July 6 – Yankees 5, Red Sox 4 @ New York
Game #10 – July 25 – Yankees 1, Red Sox 0 @ Boston
Game #11 – July 26 – Yankees 10, Red Sox 3 @ Boston
Game #12 – July 27 – Red Sox, 9, Yankees 2 @ Boston
So, the Yankees (70-60), head into this series, against the Red Sox (75-55), after just sweeping the Orioles over the weekend in Baltimore, looking for another sweep, back-to-back sweeps, as we all travel down the home stretch in this Baseball Season. The task is difficult, but the rewards are great.
This 2008 Baseball Season is not over yet, as there still are enough games left for the Yankees to accomplish their goal, which is the goal every year for the New York Yankees; and, that is, to win the World Series !!!
Go Yankees !!!
Lucky 13 For Joba, As Yanks Cage Orioles
Joba Chamberlain delivered another great start for the Yankees yesterday afternoon, as he led the Bombers to a very big victory against the Baltimore Orioles, 13-3, at the Stadium, that ended a three-game Yankee losing streak. This tremendous performance by Chamberlain continues to bring Joba, closer, and closer, to moving into the “high-rent” district of starting pitchers, as the “ace” of the Yankees pitching staff.
Chamberlain was “dealing” once again yesterday, throwing 98 pitches, over a solid six innings, allowing only two runs (one earned), on five hits, no walks, while striking-out six.
Joba’s record is now, 4-3, with a 2.24 ERA; but, more importantly, Chamberlain is becoming a true ”stopper”, as the Yankees have now won [8 of the 11] games that Joba has started. Also, Joba is starting to be more of a “pitcher”, mixing up his pitches, throwing more slidrers and change-ups, along with his almost unhittable 98 mph fastball. All this, and his great control – not walking many batters, are descriptions of an “ace” starting pitcher.
The O’s jumped out to a quick lead in the top of the 1st, when Roberts led off the game by getting on base on an error by Robinson Cano, on a hard hit ground ball, that looked like Cano should have caught. Two batters later, Huff hit a RBI single that drove Roberts home with the first run of the game. Chamberlain retired the next batter, Mora, on a grounder back to the mound, for the final out, as the Orioles took a, 1-0, lead into the bottom of the first.
The Yankees came right back in this game, scoring three runs in the first off Baltimore’s starting pitcher, Dennis Sarfate, who was making his first major league start.
Sarfate started off good by striking-out leadoff hitter, Johnny Damon; but, maybe the New York native was a little nervous pitching in front of his hometown family, and friends, as he then issued back-to-back walks to, Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu, that brought Alex Rodriguez up to the plate.
A-Rod singled home both runners, with Abreu’s run coming on a nice slide at the plate, that at first Bobby thought the home plate umpire, Mark Wegner, had called him out, and was ready to argue the call. But, Abreu was clearly safe, scoring the second run. Rodriguez also scored in the inning, for the 3-1 Yankee lead.
This was the start of a big day for Bobby Abreu, as he had three hits in four at-bats, and a walk, that included, two homeruns, a double, three RBI’s, and, scoring four runs. Abreu leads the Yankees in RBI’s with 71, and raised is batting average to .288.
In my view, it is very important that the Yankees make every effort to re-sign Abreu to a new three-year contract when the season ends. His bat is just “too valuable” to let walk away after 2008; plus, the fact, that he is a very popular player in the Yankees clubhouse, and a fan favorite. Many will say, “it all depends on how much money it will take to re-sign Abreu”. As they say, “follow the money”. But, I suggest, “follow the numbers”, regarding Bobby Abreu. How will the Yankees replace the consistent “great” numbers that Abreu puts up each year? You just don’t let a great player, like Bobby Abreu, leave your team, especially, “only because of money”.
In my opinion, the Yankees should never let money be an issue when signing players. Look to the past, [because, it also applies to the present, and future], and take the lead of the great Yankees owner, George M. Steinbrenner. He always knew, it takes money to build a winning team; and, Mr. Steinbrenner never let money be an issue when bringing the best players in the game, here to New York. It will be money “well spent”, whatever the cost to re-sign, Bobby Abreu !!!
The Yankees took a 5-2 lead, into the bottom of the 6th, when they exploded for four more runs, on a leadoff double by Abreu; and, then, after A-Rod lined out to left, a RBI single by Jason Giambi; a singe by Cano; a RBI, grounds-rule double by Nady; a walk to Melky Cabrera, that loaded the bases; and, finally, a walk to Damon that forced home the fourth run of the inning, upping the Yanks lead to 9-2.
Joba Chamberlain’s day was finished, as manager Joe Girardi turned to the bullpen to hold the lead, and preserve the great pitching performance by Joba.
So, in the top of the 7th, Edwar Ramirez replaced Joba, and created a little drama in this game, by throwing his first pitch over the head of Kevin Millar.
Now, maybe, Ramirez was just trying to pitch inside to Millar [as the Yankees have done all series] because he has hit the Yankees hard - all season. Maybe, it was retaliation for Alex Rodriguez being hit by Orioles starter, Daniel Cabrera, in the second game of this series. Or, maybe, it was just Edwar Ramirez taking the advice of Crash Davis from the movie, “Bull Durham”, when he went to the mound in the game that Nuke was pitching great, and Crash told Nuke to “hit the bull”. Davis just wanted to put a little fear into the batter at the plate, and it worked, as Nuke did get him out.
Who knows what was on the mind of Ramirez in this situation? But, in an interview after the game, Edwar did look very sincere in saying he wasn’t throwing at Millar, and even offered an apology, for the high throw over Millar’s head.
Hopefully, it is over between both these clubs [as well as, the same kind of drama, between the Yankees and Red Sox] because, it is a very “dangerous business”, having a 90 mph, plus, fastball, thrown at a batters head.
It is good to see, though, that the Yankee pitchers are much more aggressive this year, protecting the Yankee batters, when they are thrown at by other teams. It’s okay to pitch, high, and inside – that’s good “old-fashioned” baseball. But, no one wants to see a pitched-ball thrown at someone’s head, possibly causing a career ending injury or worse.
Edwar Ramirez was ejected from the game, but no warnings were given, as the Yankees now brought David Robertson in to pitch.
Robertson got hit hard in the first game of this series, so this was a very important outing by the outstanding Yankee rookie.
David walked Millar, then made a great impression, by striking-out the next three hitters, Quiroz, Fahey, and Roberts, to end the top of the 7th.
The Yankees were not finished scoring yet, as they put four more runs up on the board in the bottom of the 7th. Bobby Abreu, led off the inning with his second homerun of the game, number 13 on the year, for Bobby, to make the score, 10-2.
Alex Rodriguez was up next, and, also, hit a homerun. To be honest, I was not very exicited by this homer, as once again, A-Rod hit a homerun in a non-pressure situation, that made the score, 11-2.
In the second game of this series, A-Rod struck-out, in the 9th inning, with two runners on, no out, the Yankees down, 7-4, in the middle of a major comeback. Giambi followed A-Rod by getting a two-RBI single, to cut the lead to, 7-6. Cano and Betemit also struck-out, stranding the two runners on base, and the Yankees lost, 7-6. But, A-Rod is the cleanup hitter, and is being paid the “most money in baseball” to hit in the clutch. Rodriguez also failed in a similar, clutch situation in the recent Red Sox series. He “struck-out” in that a-bat, also. So, excuse my “lack of excitement” of what I consider, a “tack-on homer”, on the career homerun totals of Alex Rodriguez.
I did get excited, though, when Richie Sexson singled, and Xavier Nady hit a RBI double in the inning, as the Yankees scored two more runs, that put the lucky number 13 on the scoreboard.
David Robertson pitched the top of the 8th, and gave up a homerun to pinch-hitter, Castro, that completed the 13-3 score.
Dan Giese pitched a scoreless 9th inning, to close out this victory or the Yankees.
This was a big win for the Yankees, as it prevented them from being swept by the Orioles.
The Red Sox lost last night, 9-2, that completed a three-game sweep by the Angels over the Sox.
So, with the Yankees win; and, the Red Sox loss, the Yanks are now tied in the loss column with Boston, and remain four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays [63-44] who won their game yesterday.
The Yankees [59-48] now head into a “major” four-game series against the AL WEST leading, L.A. Angels [67-40], at Yankee Stadium, in the Bronx, starting tonight, Thursday, July 31th.
The Yankee have “only” 55 games left on the schedule, and the four games against the Angels, are only “four of ten” games the Yankees have remaining with the Angels. The Yanks still have to travel out to the west coast [two times] to play “two” three-game series’ against the team with the best record in baseball. So, it goes without saying, “All these games are huge” !!!
Both the Yankees and Angels are playing very well right now, and this four-game series could be a preview of the 2008 American League Championship.
It should be fun. I look forward to a great series. Go Yankees !!!
mlblogsbaseballtheyankeesandlife
Recent Comments