Game 27 - Yanks Losing Streak Reaches 4

The Yanks losing streak reached 4 games today, as they lost 4-3 in 10 innings to the socialist Tampa Bay Rays.  Their inability to hit a sacrifice fly finally cost them a game when they absolutely needed it, as Mark Teixeira failed to drive in Johnny Damon from 3rd with one out in the bottom of the 10th.  It initially appeared this game had no shot at going extra innings, as for 7 innings, the Yanks made Andy Sonnanstine and his 6.75 E.R.A. look like the reincarnation of Don Drysdale.  They looked lifeless, although AJ Burnett gave the Yanks a quality start, limiting the Rays to 3 runs in 6 innings with 8 Ks.  

Trailing 3-0 going into the bottom of the 8th, the rally started simply enough, with a single by Ramiro Pena and a double by Jose Molina.  "The Captain", Jeter, continued what is quickly becoming Yankee tradition - failing to knock in the runner from third with less than 2 out.  Rays manager, John Madden, played the ol' mix and match routine with the relievers.  Johnny Damon walked, loading the bases.  Mark Texeira, stuck in an 0-19 slump with runners in scoring position, laced a broken bat, bases clearing double down the LF line that tied the game at 3 all.  

The Yanks had ample opportunity to win the game, too, but continue to fail miserably in the clutch.  Matsui stranded Tex in the 8th.  In the ninth, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, Molina flied out to right to end the inning, although it appeared Pena beat out a slow roller to 3rd, which would have loaded the bases with one out.  

Carlos Pena hit the game winning HR in the top of the 10th off of Phil Coke, who lately has been the Yankees best relief pitcher.  It was his first run allowed in his last 10 appearances.  Till the HR, Yankee relievers actually pitched well, hurling 3 shutout innings.  The Pinstripers will need a win tomorrow to split their 6 game home stand.   Andy Pettitte is slated to start.

Yankees Record:  13-14