Game 70 - Braves Blank Bombers

Yankee hitters continued their June swoon, as they were blanked by the Atlanta Braves 4-0. They were held to 4 hits by the much-hyped Tommy Hanson and a plethora of relievers, but had plenty of chances early to break the game open. They stranded 8 runners between the 2nd-4th innings, leaving the bases loaded twice. They never mustered the big hit, going 0-8 with RISP despite collecting 6 walks, 1 hit by pitch and swiping 4 bases.

Chien-Ming Wang continued to show improvement, though he dropped to 0-6 on the season. He looked sharp through 2 outs into the 3rd after striking out the first 2 batters, he yielded an 0-2 single to Yunel Escobar, opening up the flood gates. A run scoring double by Brian McCann and a 2-run double from old Yankee nemesis, Garret Anderson, made it 3-0 Braves. Wang only lasted 5 innings because he was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 6th, but he threw 42 out of 62 pitches for strikes. Phil Hughes pitched another impressive 2 innings of relief, retiring all 6 batters he faced. Whether he starts or relieves, Phil Hughes must remain with the big league club. He's been absolutely nasty since he's been sent to the pen. David Robertson pitched the 8th frame and gave up a homer to Brian McCann, who finished the day 3-4 with 2 ribbies.

After the Yanks had their ample opportunities early, they virtually had none after the 6th inning. Johnny Damon was the only runner to reach in the last 3 frames with a pinch hit walk in the 9th. The Yanks had one rally snuffed by Chien-Ming Wang. A huge reason for my discontent with pitchers hitting - they are rally killers. Nick Swisher had a hand in 2 rally killers by failing to move over Jeter after his leadoff double and ending one of the bases loaded threats with a fielders choice. Robinson Cano was his typical self - flying out with 2 runners in scoring position and 2 out in the 3rd inning and promptly lacing a single in his next at bat with no runners on. I'll give Cano this - he's consistent. Jeter killed the last potential threat by hitting into a double play with runners on 1st and 2nd. Posada performed the Golden Sombrero - 4 Ks tonight. Terrible.

This team better find their bats. The starters and the relievers have been pitching their best ball all season this month. Boston beat the Nationals tonight to increase their division lead to a season high 5 games and Toronto tied the Yanks with a win over Cincinnati. Boston's doing what the Yankees can't - winning against teams they should be beating. The Sawx have taken 2 of 3 against the Marlins, 2 of 3 against the Braves and tonight's win vs. the Nats for a 5-2 record. The Yanks have posted a 2-5 record against those same teams. Hopefully, the Yanks won't be kicking themselves late in September for this awful stretch.

Yankees Record: 38-32 and falling fast.