Game 49 - CC Wins in Return to Cleveland

The Yankees continued their winning ways and CC Sabathia won in his initial return to Cleveland.  Every Yankee starter in the lineup had a hit except for Brett Gardner, who reached on an error and walked, in the 10-5 victory.  Robinson Cano had 3 RBIs, with Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon adding a pair each.  Jorge Posada, playing in his second game since being activated from the DL yesterday, hit a solo HR in the 2nd inning, with Nick Swisher following up with one of his own, one out later.  

CC though, was the story coming into the game.  In his second start against Cleveland this season, but first in his old stomping grounds, CC pitched 7 innings of 3-run ball, striking out 8 Indians.  He held them hitless till the 5th inning, when Cleveland finally touched him up for a pair of runs.  The Bombers, however, already built a 7-0 lead against Fausto Carmona, putting the game into cruise control.  Although Sabathia wasn't as sharp in his final 3 innings, he gave the Yanks another solid start, improving his record to 5-3.   

David Robertson came out of the bullpen and retired the side in the 8th inning, hopefully leading to more appearances.  Joe Girardi seemingly is reluctant to use Robertson in big spots, but the kid has pitched pretty well in his 2 stints with the team this year.  Jose Veras came on in the 9th and embarrassed himself, yet again.  On his first pitch, he surrendered a bomb to Shin-Soo Choo to dead center.  On the bright side, at least he didn't walk him.  He gave up another run in the inning and now sporting an ERA of 6.97.  

Veras is out of options and cannot be sent down to the minors without being exposed on waivers.  But how much longer can the Yanks keep rolling this guy out there?  Fortunately, they had a 7-run lead when he entered the game.  His of-speed stuff has been erratic all season.  Is anyone working with him on the side?  I know it's hard to have relievers work on the side because they might be called upon on any given night, but they have to get this guy right if they want to carry him on the roster all year.

Other good news for the Yanks today:  The Red Sox lost to Toronto and now both teams trail the Pinstripers by 1.5 games.  I don't think the Yanks are worried about Toronto, though.

Yankees Record:  29-20