In six of his seven starts since June 13, Yankees Pitcher David Phelps has been surprisingly good.
The 27-year-old youngster, who at one point this season lost four consecutive contests, has put together an impressive 2.09 ERA in those six outings, yet has won just two due to a lack of run support.
Fortunately, that recurring negative finally ended in tonight's opener against the Reds, with the Yanks' bats crossing home four times in a much-needed 4-3 win.
In this one, as expected against an offensively strong Cincinnati team, Phelps wasn't dominant, surrendering three runs (two earned) over 6 1/3 innings on a pair of solo home runs from Brayan Pena and an error by Derek Jeter.
Still, thanks to a couple of two-out RBI hits from Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran as well as a go-ahead two-run shot to right by Jacoby Ellsbury in the bottom of the fifth, he was able to out-duel Mike Leake (7 IP, 4 ER), evening up his record at 4-4 and lowering his ERA to 3.87.
Again, he wasn't all that overpowering, but when you have Dellin Betances and David Robertson in your bullpen that's acceptable.
When Phelps first left the contest with the tying run on and one out in the seventh, Betances began another amazing performance, retiring each of the five men he faced while striking out three.
Then in the top of the ninth, Robertson of course converted the save, his 24th in 26 chances this year.
As always, with two outs and nobody on the Bombers' Closer did give up a single to Chris Heisey, but since he still bounced back to get the next hitter to pop out you can't help but like his overall effort, as it again clinched for the Pinstripes a victory.
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ReplyDeleteany thoughts on how well this postgame is written? I'll be honest, not doing one for four days made doing it feel hard.
I think it is fine Jack, reads easy and ties everything together very well. I could have done as well...NOT! Keep it up Jack!
ReplyDeleteGood to know
DeleteI've always enjoyed your work Jack.
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