Mood Music - The Rover by Led Zeppelin
What a strange game.
CC Sabathia threw 129 pitches, the most of his Yankees career, and his start was a complete mixed bag. The rotund ace recorded ten strikeouts, but allowed twelve base runners. He had sharp stuff, but was in trouble every inning. Francisco Cervelli hit a home run and then got plunked for being Francisco Cervelli, causing the benches to clear. After borderline strike calls went against Sabathia at big parts of the early innings, Mariano Rivera abused a laughably wide strike zone. Both Joe Girardi and Larry Rothschild got tossed.
Phew.
Today, however, the Yankees were able to get the big hits with runners on base, while the Red Sox left a small army stranded. After a grinding, tough outing from Sabathia, the final three innings were completed by Cory Wade (jam creator), Boone Logan (jam escaper), Rafael Soriano, and Mariano Rivera.
Phil Hughes vs. Josh Beckett tomorrow.
Play of the Game: Eric Chavez's 2nd inning RBI single.
Comment of the Game: JMA