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There will be very few positives to look at during this recap. In fact, why not just get them out of the way right now. Russell Martin and Robinson Cano are the only two Yankees to contribute hits in tonight's game. Clay Rapada did not give up any runs. We got to see David Aardsma. That just about covers the positives in this 6-0 loss to the Blue Jays. Onto the negatives.
Ivan Nova struggles continued this evening. Nova only lasted 4.2 innings, giving up six hits and four earned runs while striking out four and walking two. Not the line you want to see after his last piss poor outing. I still have faith that Nova can be a dominant pitcher. Now is not the time to prove that theory. The O's are right behind us in the standings and every game counts. Nova still has one game left to pitch against the Red Sox. The Yankees might not be able to afford giving him that start over David Phelps.
On the other side of the mound, Brandon Morrow was absolutely dominant. He pitched seven innings, giving up four hits and no earned runs while striking out three and walking three. The Yankees had their chance against him in the top of the 7th. They just could not capitalize. The Blue Jays bullpen combination of Brad Lincoln and Darren Oliver, who is shockingly still around, would continue Morrow's effort of not allowing the Yankees to score any runs and complete the somewhat shameful shut out. I suppose I should tip my cap. I'm not wearing one though.
With this loss the Yankees are only one game up on the Orioles for the lead in the AL East. They only need three more wins to clinch a playoff spot. The division lead is still anyone's game at this point. It doesn't help that the O's get to face the Red Sox, otherwise known as the O's September punching bag, this weekend. Tomorrow the Yankees have Hiroki Kuroda on the mound against rookie Chad Jenkins. Please win.