Rangers 5, Yankees 3: Double Play Punishment

Were the Yankees ever in this game?

Ivan Nova pitched his customary 4.1 innings, allowing 4 hits and 5 walks along the way. The real damage was done in the fifth, when Joe Girardi lifted Nova after 2 walks, a hit batter and a hit. David Robertson came in with men on first and second, threw a wild pitch before retiring Adrian Beltre, then throwing a run scoring wild pitch while walking Nelson Cruz.

It was a night of missed opportunities, marked by an AL-record tying 6 double plays turned by Texas.

There are two ways to look at it:

First, tip your cap to one of the best defensive infields in the game.

Second, applaud the Yankees for continuously putting men on, then hitting the ball hard.  If one of those hard hit double plays finds a gap, it's a different ball game.  All you can ask is hit the ball hard.

27-year old Lance Pendleton made his major league debut, pitching 3 inning of flawless ball while striking out 2.

So tomorrow, do better.