Game 117 - Swisher, Bullpen Lead Yanks Over M's

The Yanks scored 4 unearned runs in the 2nd inning, capped by Nick Swisher's 2-run HR, and the Yankee bullpen shutdown Seattle for the final 3.2 innings for a 5-2 victory over the Mariners. Starter, Sergio Mitre, had his best start as a Yankee, limiting Seattle to 2 runs in 5.1 innings. He was lifted with the bases loaded, but was bailed out by David Robertson, who struck out the next 2 batters.

Derek Jeter went 2-4 with 2 RBIs. His HR in the 9th gave the Yanks a 3-run cushion. It was his 4th HR of the month and 15th of the season after having only 4 HRs in June and July combined.

Robertson, Phil Coke and Mariano Rivera combined for 8 Ks, as Mo nailed down his 35th save of the season. He retired Jose Lopez, who represented the tying run at the plate with 2 men on. The overrated Ichiro Suzuki helped bail out the Yanks in the 7th when he was inexplicably gun downed at 3rd for the final out on an unacceptable and unexplainable stolen base attempt with the go-ahead run at the plate with their only true power-hitter in Russell Branyan. Thank you, Suzuki, for continuing to demonstrate to me that your legacy is the most overblown in the history of MLB. And is he the most feminine player in baseball? What is with all the girly gyrations every time he comes to the plate?

It was the 5th straight victory for the Bombers and guaranteed a series victory over Seattle in their 4-game set. With Boston losing earlier in the day, the Yanks increased their division lead to a season-high 7.5 games.

Yankees Record: 74-43