Yankees 7, Nationals 2: All About The Streaks

One out away. With two outs in the top of the 9th inning, the Nationals needed to record one more out to keep the Yankees from hitting a home run in the game but Curtis Granderson had other plans. The narrative that the Yankees can't win without dingers was on life support, but Grandy sent a solo shot off Tom Gorzelanny into the bullpen, allowing it to live on at least one more night.

Alex Rodriguez drove in the first run of the game with a single that scored Derek Jeter. The team is now 18-0 when A-Rod drives in a run. Yay random streaks! The majority of the damage did not come against Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez, but against old friend Brad Lidge in the seventh inning. A walk, a bunt, and an intentional walk of Robinson Cano pinch hitting for the pitcher loaded the bases; a single and an error by Derek Jeter and Ian Desmond, respectively, drove in DeWayne Wise and Russell Martin. A lefty was brought in to face Granderson, and Granderson doubled to drive in Cano and Jeter to complete the big inning.

The Yankee offense drove up Gonzalez's pitch count to chase him from the game after six innings but only five hits. Russell Martin reached base three times and Swisher, Granderson, and Jeter each had two hits a piece to lead the offense. Not bad for a night when arguably their best hitter was relegated to pinch hitting duty.

The winning with home runs and A-Rod RBIs streaks may have continued but another one came to an end tonight, as Phil Hughes finally made it out of a game without allowing a home run. Hughes pitched six innings of one-run ball, striking out nine batters and allowing only six hits. Cody Eppley and Clay Rapada followed with a clean inning a piece before David Robertson came on to finish the game in his first day back from the disabled list.

D-Rob might have been a little rusty, but you can hardly blame him for that. He allowed a lead off double to Michael Morse, who came around to score on two consecutive groundouts before Robertson struck out Rick Ankiel to end the game. Not a bad outing after missing a month to injury.

Andy Pettitte squares off against Jordan Zimmermann tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. in hopes of securing another series win.

Comment of the Game: Donut3 for realizing liking Lil Wayne should get you released from any team.