Monday, April 10, 2017

Formula works: Fall behind, and then take the lead…


After two days of taking leads, only to see the Orioles come back to win both games, the Yankees borrowed a page from the Buck Showalter Playbook on Sunday.  They let the O’s jump out to the early lead and then they were the ones who made up the difference to depart Baltimore with a win.  

CC Sabathia certainly didn’t have his best stuff but he did just enough to keep the Yankees in the game.  Even though it seemed like CC was consistently on the ropes, he went six innings, giving up six hits and three runs (two earned).  He walked four while striking out three.  It qualified as a quality start and it was.  Even though CC departed the game with the Yankees trailing 3-2, the game could have gotten away from him but he didn’t allow it.  On the other side, hits were rare against Orioles starter Wade Miley.  He only gave up one hit in five innings, but he walked a high number of batters.  Despite the seven free passes Miley issued, the Yankees couldn’t cash in.  

Ultimately, it didn’t matter for the Yankees as they pounced on the O’s bullpen.  The key hits were the triple by Ronald Torreyes in the top of the sixth, scoring two runs, against reliever Tyler Wilson; the eighth inning home run by Aaron Judge which tied the game; and Starlin Castro’s ninth inning single to center which scored pinch-runner Jacoby Ellsbury with the go-ahead run.  They added three more runs to pad the lead.  For closer Aroldis Chapman it was one run too many as it removed the save opportunity, but Chapman and his 100 mph fastball were still able to make mince meat out of the O’s for three quick outs.  

The best game stat was DH Matt Holliday’s 0-for-0, with five walks.  The last two Yankees with five walks in a game were Mark Teixeira (2009) and Roger Maris (1962).  The fifth walk led to the insertion of Ellsbury to pinch run, which resulted in the aforementioned go-ahead run.   

Credit:  Patrick Smith, Getty Images

The catch of Aaron Judge’s home run ball in the outfield bleachers by a Yankees fan was also a game highlight.  

The Yankees bullpen was outstanding.  With Tyler Clippard, Dellin Betances, and Chapman each working one inning, they collectively did not allow a walk, hit or run and struck out five.  It was a dominating performance that brought back memories of last year’s No Runs DMC.  Clippard is no Andrew Miller but he certainly did his part.  

It’s always nice to get a win on Getaway Day.  I am sure the Yankees’ flight to New York City was much better last night than if they had returned amidst a losing streak.  It will make for a better mood today during Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. 

Last week, the Yankees had an unusual day off in the middle of their three game series with the Rays in St Petersburg, FL, and it happens again this week. After today’s game, tomorrow is on off day and the series will resume on Wednesday.  Unless you want to hang out at the beach, there are probably more things to do in New York City on a day off than Tampa/St Petersburg. After the series ends on Thursday evening, the Yankees stay home to await the St Louis Cardinals while the Rays have to take a short hop to Boston.  Following no-play Tuesday, the Yankees won’t see a day off again until April 20th.  This does mean that we’ll soon have the announcement of the fifth starter.  As much as I would love to see Jordan Montgomery get the honor, the realist in me recognizes that Bryan Mitchell represents the most likely choice.  If not Mitchell, then Chad Green with a reliever being moved down to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  Either of those moves do not require any action with the 40-man roster, whereas the Yankees would have to open a spot for Montgomery.  Montgomery’s time is coming, it just won’t be April 16th.

Michael Pineda’s first start was disappointing but he’ll nonetheless get the honor of starting today for Opening Day at Yankee Stadium.  He hasn’t really done anything to deserve the honor but hopefully it will encourage the best possible performance out of him.  If the Yankees can win two of three from the Rays, they’ll be in a much better place than they were just this past Saturday when they stood with a 1-4 mark.  

Congrats to Matt Holliday as he’ll be pulling on the pinstripes in the Bronx for the first time today.  

Unlock the doors at The Stadium…the Yankees are home!  Time to go get another win!

Have a great Monday!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)