Despite a tiny, shifting strike zone, Javy Vazquez made enough pitches to hold Oakland to one run over seven innings.
Yankee pitchers recorded just four punch-outs, meaning that the other 23 outs had to be made by the defense. We saw the best defensive outfield: from left to right, Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson and Colin Curtis. Along with A-Rod, they all made plays ranging from 'pretty nice' to extraordinary.
When your pitching and defense hold the opponent to one run, it makes every offensive contribution seem 'clutch.' A two-run rally in the second (Swisher double, Grandy triple, Cervelli single) and Tex's solo shot in the sixth were all the runs the Yankees needed.
Play of the Game: Mark Teixeira's homer in the sixth inning gave the Yanks an insurance run (+13%).
Comment of the Game: Kevin L, for "The Creation of Mo."