Melky Cabrera got the show going with a leadoff double in the second inning. Brett Gardner followed up with his first career HR. Not to be outdone, Ramiro Pena, filling in for Jeter, hit a triple to right. After Francisco Cervelli failed to knock in Pena, the Yanks hottest hitter, Johnny Damon tripled in Pena, making it 9 straight games with an extra base hit. Nick Swisher, the only Yankee who didn't reach base tonight, in typical Yankee fashion, failed to knock in Damon. However, there was a Mark Teixeira sighting, as he laced a double over Vernon Wells head in CF, scoring Damon for his 2nd hit in 2 innings.
Andy Pettitte wasn't sharp tonight, but like a crafty veteran pitcher who could smell victory, he toughed out 6 innings, giving up 2 runs, 1 earned, on 5 hits and 4 BBs. Alfredo Aceves, impressive in his long relief role against the Sox last week, pitched 2 scoreless innings and hopefully opened up some eyes for a potential larger role in the bullpen. He threw a beautiful overhand curveball for a strike that had Jays' Alex Rios knees buckle and bailing out. Jonathan Albaladejo came in the 9th to close the door, but not before giving Joe Girardi a stroke by loading the bases with 2 of the runners getting on via walks. Walking hitters is inexcusable with a 6-run lead. With Mariano having to start to throw, Albaladejo got Rios to end the game on a double play grounder.
The Yanks combined for 8 extra base hits tonight: 4 doubles, 3 triples and Gardner's HR. Gardner would also hit a triple and Damon had a triple and a double. Other positives this evening: Cervelli had his first major league RBI on an infield single. That's his second infield single in a week, as Cervelli runs well for a catcher. I'm sure the sloth-footed Posada and Molina haven't had 2 infield singles in a season. Mark Teixeira finally cracked the Mendoza line, going 2-4 and is now hitting .202. Not only that, he did something that is seldom seen in Yankeeland - hitting a sacrifice fly. I almost fainted. But then again, weird things were happening all game. After my public flogging of the Yankees bench yesterday, they came up big tonight. And is there a full moon out? Because Cano had a 2-out RBI single. Then again, the Yanks were up 4-1 at this point and had been batting for over 30 minutes in the 2nd inning, so maybe he didn't know how many outs there were and there was no pressure. Call me cynical, but until I see Cano get a big hit in a clutch situation, I'll be all over him.
The Yanks need to take this series tomorrow with Crooked Cap toeing the mound.
Yankees Record: 16-17
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