Yanks Comeback and Win Series – Back in 1st Place

I was a little worried about the Yankees during their 3 game losing streak, but I was more frustrated than anything because the Yankees missed on opportunities to gain games on the Rays. But it’s okay – the Yankees were bound to bounce back, and they did. After losing the first game of this series, the Yankees won the next two to win the series, and split the season Subway Series. Today, the Yankees won the finale 4-0.

Pitching Analysis: CC Sabathia’s mission was to follow up Phil Hughes’s dominant outing with a solid performance of his own. A win from CC would boost the team’s confidence, and make the flight to Arizona seem a little shorter. And that’s exactly what C “Cy” did.

           

 Look at his game face. Aw, CC I love you ♥

I think this was CC’s best outing of the season. If it wasn’t for the rain delay, CC would have pitched a complete game shutout. But just to be safe, Girardi didn’t send CC out there for the 9th. He went 8 innings of 4 hit shutout baseball, and struckout 6. Every time the Mets were “threatening,” CC got even tougher. I think CC is about to go on one of those stretches where he is unhittable.

Defensive Analysis: In pitcher’s duels, defense becomes even more important. Today, the Yankee defense was on top of its game. Derek Jeter started a lovely 6-4-3 double play in the 4th, and Alex Rodriguez started an inning-ending dp in the 7th to get CC out of potential trouble. Brett Gardner made a lovely leaping play on a deep fly ball by Rod Barajas. A-Rod also made a nice diving play to his left on a Jose Reyes sharp grounder. So much for his “lateral range issues.”

Offensive Analysis: The Yankees scored all their runs on one swing, but it was enough. When facing a pitcher like Santana, you’ve got to be sure you don’t miss out on your chance to score, because you might not get another. In the 3rd, the Yankees rallied. Brettiboo Gardner led off with a single, followed by an infield single by Jeet. Nick Swisher laid down the most beautiful bunt – so perfect that it was a hit instead of a sacrifice! That loaded the bases with no one out, for Mark Teixeira. Tex had a big fly in game 2 of this series, but that didn’t make me think he was going to come through. Every time I think he’s getting hot, he fails on me the next game, and many games after.

This time, Mark didn’t fail me. After 2 changeups, Tex got a fastball – and he didn’t miss it. Teixeira hit a ball deep to left field, and GONE FOR A GRAND SLAM! 4-0 Yankees! Thank you, Texy-wexy, for providing the only offense of the game. It was greatly appreciated 🙂

                      

 TEX!

Mark’s blast really was the only offense. I didn’t get excited over anything else – except for Francisco Cervelli’s triple in the 6th. I love watching him run…I love watching him in general, for that matter ♥

Winning this series must be a confidence booster. Especially after losing the first game, and having to win the next two. The heroes for the series finale win are easy ones: CC Sabathia, for down-right beasting, and Mark Teixeira, for being the offense. Great job, boys!

This was a hugely important win for the Yankees. The Rays lost once again, but this time the Yankees took advantage of that. Their win today pushes them into 1st place, in by far the hardest division in baseball. Congratulations, Yankees. You are back where you belong 🙂

GO YANKEES!