After a solid performance on Friday night versus the Marlins, the Yanks got exactly what they needed from AJ Burnett on Saturday. Unfortunately, the offense was held in check by Marlins pitching as they only scored one run and lost 2-1. One of the Marlins runs was unearned on a Johnny Damon fielding error but the problem for the Yankees was the double play ball.
Jeter grounded into 2 double plays. The second one being during the 8th inning with men on 1st and 2nd with no one out. That killed the Yankees rally in that inning. Posada should have had a double play in the 8th as well, but the Yanks got lucky. Lastly, after Mark Texiera's single to lead off the 9th, Posada popped up. And then Cano, swinging at the first pitch, grounded into a game ending double play...his 2nd in the past week.
The bottom line here is that the Marlins had great pitching tonight and the Yankees need to learn how to execute in key situations. That was one of their biggest problems last season. You can't wait for the home run all of the time. In the postseason, there are going to be a lot of games that are won 2-1 or 3-2. And the Yankees need to learn how to convert in key spots...situational hitting practice time!
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