Tanaka remains undefeated after 9-3 win over Rays

Masahiro Tanaka tossed 7 innings of three-run ball and Dellin Betances followed him with a three-out performance of his own today as the Yankees bounced back nicely from last night's extra-inning loss with a win over the Rays, 9-3. In this one's early stages, Tanaka struggled pretty badly, giving up 3 runs on 7 hits in Tampa Bay's first 4 at-bats, but after that he seemed to get things under control, surrendering just one more hit in his last three innings to earn the W. 

Anyway, the Yanks offense somehow didn't put a baserunner on until this afternoon's bottom of the fourth, but still, they definitely had a good day. After getting that first guy to first, the Bombers got on the board with two-run home run from Mark Teixeira, followed later by an RBI Double from Jacoby Ellsbury, a solo shot from Kelly Johnson, and another RBI hit from #25. After those big plays, the Pinstripes tacked on another 4 just for the fun of it, as Alfonso Soriano drove in a guy with a Sac Fly, Ichiro hit an RBI Double, and the struggling Brett Gardner connected on a 2-run single. 

Besides those guys, Brian Roberts and Preston Claiborne also contributed to this victory, going 1-for-4 with a single and an run and throwing a scoreless inning of relief respectively. That three-out performance, impressively, lowers Claiborne's ERA to just 1.17, something not bad for a guy who started the year in the minors.

Can't Predict Baseball: Four Balks In One Game?!?!

On this day in 1950 the Yankees Vic Raschi balked four times in a win over the Chicago White Sox. Apparently Raschi was unable to adjust to the new rule that required a pitcher to come to a full rest for a second before coming to home plate with the pitch.

On this day in 1951 the Yankees Gil McDougald tied a major league record with six RBI's in one inning in a 17-3 victory over the Browns. The Yankee rookie hit a grand slam in the ninth inning, the first of his career, and then added a two run triple later in the inning as New York scored 11 times in the inning.

On this day in 1959 the Tigers Charlie Maxwell absolutely went off for the 2-15 Detroit team as he hit four straight home runs in a double header against the Yankees. This was Tigers manager Jimmy Dykes first game as the skipper for Detroit and was responsible for Maxwell being in the lineup even though he was hitting .136 at the time.

On this day in 1966 the Indians Luis Tiant threw his third consecutive shutout of the season when he beat the Yankees 1-0. El Tiante is still yet to give up a run this season after shutting out Boston and Kansas City earlier in the season.

Derek Jeter Tampa Yankees T-Shirt Giveaway

Join the Tampa Yankees next Friday, May 9th and the first 300 fans through the door will receive a Derek Jeter Tampa Yankees #31 T-shirt courtesy of allergease. Jeter wore #31 in 1994 while coming through the Yankees system with the Tampa Yankees. If I lived closer I would definitely come early for this one. Cool giveaway. 

Game Thread: Yankees vs. Rays 5/3

The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays will play the second game of a three game weekend set this weekend at Yankee Stadium. The game will be played at 1:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network and MLB TV and can be heard on the radio with WFAN. The pitching matchup for this afternoon's game is Masahiro Tanaka for the Yankees and Jake Odorizzi for the Rays. Happy Tanaka Day Yankees fans.

Talk live with us about the game by following @GreedyStripes on Twitter or by dropping us a line in the comments section of the site. If you would rather see the Yankees live then get your Yankees tickets right here on the blog through TiqIQ.

Enjoy the game Yankees family and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Somehow There Are Still Tanaka Haters Out There

As you guys probably know by now I am constantly searching for creative and funny memes to bring you guys and this one is a new one. Could there possibly still be Masahiro Tanaka doubters and haters out there? Surely not.. right?

Trenton Thunder Game Recap 5/2

Thunder Club Three Homers in 8-1 Win over Richmond

TRENTON, NJ - The Thunder used three home runs on their way to an 8-1 victory over the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Friday night in front of 4,954 fans at ARM & HAMMER Park.

All in attendance treated to a power display in the second inning when Gary Sanchez led off the inning with his third homer of the season.

Richmond had their only offense of the game in the fourth when Mario Lisson doubled home Angel Villalona to make it 2-1 in favor of Trenton.

In the sixth inning, the Thunder knocked Richmond's starter, Adalberto Mejia, from the game. Rob Segedin's two-run home run took a 4-1 lead and after a Kyle Roller base hit, Mejia was lifted. Mejia was tagged with his second loss of the season, in five and ⅓ innings he surrendered five runs.

Graham Stoneburner earned his first win of the season in his longest start. Stoneburner allowed a fourth inning run, but, held Richmond quiet through the rest of his outing. In five and ⅔ innings, he allowed four hits, one walk and struck out three.

Kyle Roller smacked his eighth home run of the season in the seventh inning. His mammoth shot to left-center gave the Thunder the final margin. Roller finished 2-for-3 with three runs scored, a walk and a stolen base.

Yankees shortstop Brendan Ryan, rehabbing from a spring training back injury, went 2-for-4 with two runs scored.

The Thunder continue their three-game homestand on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. It's Super Hero night with Fireworks post-game! The Thunder will start RHP Zach Nuding (2-0, 2.43), the Flying Squirrels will counter with RHP Kyle Crick (1-0, 2.84). Listen live on 91.3 WTSR and TrentonThunder.com for the pre-game show beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Being posted with permission from the Trenton Thunder. The original article can be seen HERE. 

Chaleston Riverdogs Game Recap 5/2

Shorebirds Win Opener Despite Severino's Quality Start

Pitchers' duel goes to Delmarva while Severino works through a career-high six innings

CHARLESTON, SC - Luis Severino recorded the first quality start of his professional career for the Charleston RiverDogs, but Sebastian Vader's seven-plus innings and late offense gave the Delmarva Shorebirds a 4-3 victory on Friday night in front of 4,489 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in South Atlantic League action.

Charleston slipped below .500 and Delmarva inched closer to an even record as both teams close the evening with identical marks of 13-14.

Delmarva grabbed the game's first lead at 1-0 in the second inning. Trey Mancini's leadoff single opened the frame before Severino picked up a strikeout and a fly out. Alex Murphy extended the inning with a single before Mancini scored on a single from Josh Hart.

The RiverDogs came from behind to take a 2-1 advantage in the bottom of the third. Jose Rosario and Gosuke Katoh got into scoring position after a single and a double, respectively. Eduardo de Oleo tied the game with a sacrifice fly and Abiatal Avelino pushed in the go-ahead run on a groundout.

In the fourth inning, Conor Bierfeldt tied the contest for the Shorebirds. After two straight strikeouts from Severino, Bierfeldt hit a home run to left field to even the score at 2-2. It was his second home run of the season, both coming against the RiverDogs within the past week.

Severino escaped a bases-loaded jam with a double play in the sixth, but the Shorebirds regained the lead against the Charleston bullpen in the seventh. Gregory Lorenzo hit into a force out and brought in Hart for a 3-2 Delmarva lead. The advantage grew to 4-2 when Lorenzo scored following back-to-back singles.

Charleston's best chance to retake the lead came in the eighth inning. Vader entered the inning with five consecutive strikeouts before Katoh's leadoff single broke the streak. Dylan Rheault relieved Vader and recorded a strikeout prior to a sacrifice bunt by Avelino. Katoh scored on Tyler Wade's single to cut the deficit to 4-3. An Aaron Judge double put two runners in scoring position, but neither would score on an inning-ending fly out as Delmarva held on to the lead.

Vader improved to 3-1 with the victory, throwing a season-high seven-plus innings for Delmarva. Jordan Cote allowed two runs in the seventh inning and fell back to 1-1 after the loss. Jimmy Yacabonis pitched a scoreless final inning for his seventh save in as many opportunities. Severino struck out seven to lead all pitchers but did not factor in the decision.

BALLPARK FUN: Prior to Friday's contest between Charleston and Delmarva, The Citadel opened a three-game series against Wofford and defeated the Terriers 8-1. The RiverDogs and many fans wore red for ISHPI Red Shirt Friday, which ended with another fantastic fireworks display over the scenic Ashley River following the game.

COMING UP: Game two of this four-game series is scheduled for 6:05pm on Saturday evening. LHP Ian Clarkin (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is expected to make his RiverDogs debut against Shorebirds RHP Luc Rennie (0-2, 9.16 ERA). Social Media Saturday encourages fans to make requests to the RiverDogs on Facebook and Twitter for in-game music, promotions, and other features. The Joe is also hosting Greek Heritage Night and Moncks Corner Night for Saturday's game. Former Clemson Tigers football stars Tajh Boyd and Quandon Christian will both be on-hand mingling with fans. Tickets may be purchased at the Riley Park Box Office, (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or on-line at www.riverdogs.com. If fans cannot make it to the ballpark, they are encouraged to tune in to all the action this year both home and away worldwide on www.riverdogs.com and locally on 1250 WTMA, the new radio home for RiverDogs baseball.

Box Score: http://atmilb.com/PZl4W1

Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs. The original post can be seen HERE. 

Preview: New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays 5/3

The New York Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays for the second of a three game set at Yankee Stadium this afternoon after playing last night. The Yankees will send Masahiro Tanaka to the mound to face off with Jake Odorizzi for the Rays. The game will be played at 1:05 pm ET and can be seen on the YES Network, MLB TV, and can be heard on the radio with WFAN.

Tanaka is the real deal and showed it once again in a no decision against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last time out for the Yanks. Tanaka pitched 6.1 IP and gave up two runs, five hits, 11 strike outs, and four walks in a Yankees victory. Tanaka has had three double digit strikeout games in his first five seasons in the major leagues and has 46 total in 35.2 IP this season.

Odorizzi has allowed 18 earned runs and 28 hits in his last 17.2 IP and could be the exact recipe the Yankees offense needs to break out of this little mini slump. Odorizzi also has 22 strike outs and 12 walks this season. This is one of those games where it will be really fun to watch as a Yankee fan or really, REALLY frustrating to watch as we turn Odorizzi into Cy Young reincarnate.

Go Yankees!!

Leroux Designated For Assignment, Aceves Up

Excuse me for one second as I do my happy dance.....

Thanks guys for your patience and understanding. Chris Leroux has been designated for assignment and the Mexican Gangster Alfredo Aceves has been called up to take his place. I was going to cut grass today during the Yankee game this afternoon but it can wait, I want to see Aceves back in the Bronx.

Your Official Invitation To Rivera Avenue Unveiling

Here is your official invitation to the unveiling of the new Rivera Avenue in honor of the long time Yankee closer Mariano Rivera. The road is currently named River Avenue, and there are a lot of blues to be shared there apparently, and will be renamed to Rivera Avenue next week. We hope everyone shows up and shares the experience with everyone involved.

Quick Hit: Rookie of the Year Has International Feel To It

The American League Rookie of the Year Award definitely has an international feel to it this season doesn't it? In my personal, humble, and probably homerist opinion my top two choices for the AL Rookie of the Year Award are Masahiro Tanaka and Jose Dariel Abreu of the Chicago White Sox in that order. As we all know Tanaka was an international import from Japan and Abreu was the latest and greatest Cuban defector and now both are tearing up the major leagues.

Both players have huge shoes to fill as Tanaka is the Yankees fourth starter and in 2013 New York's fourth starter was Andrew Eugene Pettitte. Abreu is playing first base for the Chicago White Sox replacing mainstay Paul Konero in the lineup and in the field.

Good luck to both men in the Rookie of the Year voting but I'm not gonna lie I hope Tanaka wins.

Nuno, Leroux beat up in 14-inning loss to Rays

Vidal Nuno surrendered 4 earned runs in 4.2 innings and youngster Chris Leroux gave up another 5 in the top of the 14th tonight as the Yankees depressingly lost this series' opener to the Rays, 10-5. In those 4.2 frames, Nuno was overall solid, inducing two 1-2-3 innings in the first and third, but in the end a couple of walks, an unfair lost-in-the-sky triple from Evan Longoria, and a solo home run from Desmond Jennings caused the team to lose. 

Anyway, the Bombers offense, judging by their 14 hits, was okay in this loss, collecting three home runs from Brian McCann (2-run), Mark Teixeira, and Alfonso Soriano before scoring for the final time in the bottom of the ninth when Jacoby Ellsbury singled home the tying run. Those two shots from Teixeira and Soriano, interestingly, came back-to-back in the eighth off TB's Joel Peralta, tying the game at 4.

Unfortunately, the good for the Pinstripes stopped there, as their offense stranded a combined 7 runners in the 11th, 12th, and 13th innings. In that last frame, the Yanks actually had the bases loaded with two outs, before Derek Jeter grounded out as part of his tough-to-watch, 0-for-7 performance.

This Day In New York Yankees History 5/3

On this day in 1936 Joe DiMaggio finally makes his major league debut after his season was delayed due to a foot injury. The 21 year old rookie outfielder started off great with three hits, one of them a triple, and scored three runs in a Yankees 14-5 victory over the Browns.

On this day in 1952  the Yankees traded Jackie Jensen and right handed pitcher Spec Shea to the Washington Senators for veteran outfielder Irv Noren. The Yankees felt the need to make the move after Joe DiMaggio retired and Mickey Mantle required a knee surgery that season. In 1958 Jensen would win the American League MVP award for the Boston Red Sox.

On this day in 1986 Don Mattingly hit three sacrifice flies in a 9-4 victory over the Texas Rangers. The Yankees first baseman and All Star is only the sixth player to ever have three sac flies in one game in major league history.