Believe it or not though, Wang wasn't the real reason the Yanks lost tonight's game. They've reverted to their old ways of not hitting with runners in scoring position. They were a horrific 2-16 in those situations tonight. One of the hits was a bunt by Nick Swisher. The Yankees had a base runner on in all 9 innings, including the tying run on second base with 1 out in the 8th and 9th innings, leaving 10 men on base for the game. The worse culprits were Derek Jeter, who looked absolutely clueless, going 0-5, leaving 5 on, and no shocker here, Robinson "worse clutch hitter ever" Cano left 4 on.
Two big plays that probably turned this game around was Nick Swisher misjudging a fly ball for a run-scoring ground rule double, and Phil Hughes surrendering a 2-run shot to the Big Nugget, Youkilis, that stood up as the difference in the score. It was Hughes only mistake, as he pitched effectively in 3.2 innings, striking out 5.
The Yanks hit 3 HRs, but unfortunately they were all solo shots - Posada, Damon and Teixeira. Tex's was his league-leading 19th, as he was one of the few Yanks who came to play tonight, going 4-5 with 2 doubles along with his dinger. His single was a liner off the Green Monster, too.
The Yanks will need Crooked Cap to step up in the series finale. Unfortunately, I don't think Sabathia has pitched well against the Sox in his career.
As for Wang - I'd move him to the bullpen as a long guy with the occasional spot start, but I don't manage them. Joe Girardi didn't sound committed to Wang in the rotation though, in his post game interviews, so I may get my wish. It's all about confidence right now, so maybe a string of shutdown appearances out of the pen would give him a boost.
Yankees Record: 34-25 and 1 game back
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