Game 41 - Joba Hurt - Can't Stop Yanks

Despite losing Joba Chamberlain after 2/3 inning tonight, the Yanks won their 9th straight for their longest streak of the Joe Girardi era.  In the top of the 1st, Joba took a liner off his leg from Baltimore's Adam Jones.  Joba recovered to throw him out, but after attempting to tough it out, he was taken out of the game after giving up back-to-back singles while clearly limping around.

Though it was a setback for the Yanks, it didn't slow them down as they jumped out to a 6-0 lead after 2 innings.  The hit barrage started with 3 straight doubles from Jeter, Cano and Teixeira in the 1st.  Cano would also tack on a 2-run shot in the 2nd inning en route to a 3 hits and 3 RBIs.  Matsui would add a solo blast to the upper deck in the 5th.

After going 2 pivotal innings last night, Alfredo Aceves came up big again, throwing 3 1/3 scoreless innings.  Jonathan Albaladejo relieved Aceves and looked terrible getting slapped around, giving up all 4 of the Orioles runs in 2.1 innings, including 2 dingers.  Jose Veras surprisingly made an appearance and even contributed, pitching 1.2 innings, and for a change of pace, didn't walk a batter.  The great Mariano finished up for his 9th save in the Bombers 7-4 victory.  

Aceves has been a Godsend for the Yanks bullpen (and their fans), giving up just 2 runs in 13.2 innings of relief this season.  He picked up his 3rd win tonight, all coming during this streak.  Aceves could prove to be a dual threat for Joe Girardi, able to be the long man out of the pen, or the bridge to Brian Bruney and Mariano.       

Big test for the Yanks win streak this weekend.  They'll be hosting the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies as they wrap up their 10-game homestand.  They'll be sending out their top 3 guns:   Burnett, Pettitte, and Sabathia.  It should be a good test for the Yanks.

Yankees Record:  24-17