Game 45 - Hughes, Yanks Mess With Texas

Playing a day game on Memorial Day in the hot Texas heat, the Yankee bats came out on fire, knocking around the Rangers for 19 hits in an 11-1 victory.  Phil Hughes tossed 8 shutout innings, limiting one of the best lineups in baseball to 3 hits while striking out 6.  If Hughes continues pitching the way he did today, the Yanks won't have to worry about Chien-Ming Wang returning to the rotation anytime soon.  

Hughes returned to the sight where he pitched his best game as a major leaguer, when he no-hit the Rangers for 6.1 innings before leaving with a pulled hammy after a pitch, ironically, to Mark Teixeira, in 2007.  He overcame his toughest jam today in the second inning, when he struck out the side after giving up a leadoff double and a hit batter with no out.

The Bombers bats were led by ARod's 5-5 day, with 2 doubles and 4 RBIs.  He entered the game hitting .189 and raised his average up to .259 when it was over.  Tex and Cano contributed with 2 ribbies and the struggling Nick Swisher chipped in 3 RBIs.  Every Yankee hitter had a hit, probably because Matsui was on the bench today.  Even Kevin Cash got in the act, going 3-5.

The only blemish of the day occurred in the bottom of the 9th, when Alfredo Aceves lost the shutout on a one out HR to Texas' Nelson Cruz.  Ironically, it was the only homer of the day, as the Yankees scored all of their runs by timely hitting.  It was a positive sign to witness the Yanks not rely solely on the long ball.  

With Toronto losing their 7th straight game today, the Yanks moved into second place, 1 game back of the Red Sox, and are leading the wild card standings.

Yankees Record:  26-19