Nothing like a 10-run outburst to help the Yankees and their anxious fans exhale, and that's what the Bombers got in the seventh inning tonight en route to an 11-0 victory.
How about Phil Hughes. The numbers -- 6 innings, 0 runs, 2 hits, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts -- were impressive. The way he went about his business, and his expanded repertoire, were even more impressive. A fastball consistently at 92-3 mph made you wonder how long he pitched with that broken rib last year. A terrific curveball, and a brand new, very effective cutter. This is a Hughes with more weapons than we have seen previously.
Other thoughts.
- Two nice plays at third from Ramiro Pena. He has to be the third baseman until A-Rod returns -- regardless of what he hits.
- A very impressive inning from Mark Melancon. I think Melancon and Phil Coke are going to get a lot of huge outs for the Yankees before it's all said and done.
- Two more hits and two walks for Melky Cabrera. I still love Brett Gardner, but Melky has to play center field for time being -- at least until his bat cools off.