Game 3 - Victory!

It appears the Yankees will not go 0-162 this season.  Joe Girardi gets to manage another day. And finally, the Yankees off-season acquisitions came through.  Congratulations to AJ Burnett for registering the first strikeout for Yankee starters this year.  It wasn't a masterpiece performance, but AJ gave a gritty performance.  Facing the bases loaded in the 4th, with the Yanks holding a tenuous 3-2 lead, AJ struck out Aubrey Huff to end the inning and virtually ending the Orioles last threat of the game.

Positives of the game:  Tex hit his first HR as a Yankee.  Nick Swisher went 3-5 with a HR and 5 RBIs, allowing me to dream that I will never see the likes of Matsui again.  History was made when Cano and Jose Molina walked in the same game.  I'll have to remember to tell my grandkids someday where I was on this momentous occasion.  What has gotten into Cano?  3 walks in 3 games.  I don't think he got his third walk last year till after July 4th.  Plus, he looks great at the plate, knocking one out today as well.  He's going the other way, just like he did when he was hitting well before last year's debacle.  Congrats to Ramiro Pena on his first major league hit.  Watch out, Derek.  This guy plays a mean SS.  On defense, Molina gunned down Felix Pie, continuing his great defense that he displayed time and again last season. 

The Yanks bullpen also pitched great - again giving up no hits in 3 2/3 innings with 6 Ks.  It was good to see Phil Coke rebound from Tuesday's appearance, striking out both hitters he faced. Girardi needs to limit this guy to one inning.  Brian Bruney also rebounded from his dreadful performance on Tuesday with 2 Ks in an inning.  

My friends know I won't end this blog without bringing up the negatives.  Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon appeared to take the afternoon off while the rest of the team came out hitting. They went a combined 0-8, and Double Play Derek finally made his appearance this season, hitting into an inning ending, rally ending, double play in the 6th inning with a man on third.  

That's twice this year, Derek, you've left a man on third.  Yes, I'm keeping count.  Brett Gardner nearly left the bases loaded, too, but his weak grounder to the pitcher was thrown past the catcher.  Speaking of the Orioles catcher, Chad Moeller, he of the career batting average less than .230 - he went 2-3 with a double off of Burnett.  Luckily, he didn't cause any damage.  

Finally, my prayers go out to the family of Angels pitcher, Nick Adenhart.  After throwing 6 shutout innings against the Athletics last night, his career and life ended way too soon when a driver ran the red light and crashed into Adenhart's vehicle.  

Yanks Record:  1-2