Well, it took them a while to do it, but the Twins finally came through against the Yankees at the new Stadium. What looked like a sure win for the Yankees heading into the 8th inning turned into heartbreaking defeat, capped by a Grand Slam by Jason Kubel off the great Rivera. Mo fails at his job so rarely that it shocks everyone when he does. He his human after all and does make mistakes. Kubel capitalized on one of those mistakes today and gave the Twins a much needed win in the Bronx.
Despite the loss, there are definitely some positives to take from this game on the Yankee side. Starting with offense, Winn and Pena were both 2-4 and Winn had 2 of the 3 Yankee RBIs with a triple. Both hitters had been struggling with the bat and it was a much needed lift today for both of them. Posada and Teixeira both continued their hot hitting going a combined 4-8. The Yanks even got the tying run to the plate in the 9th but couldn't capitalize. So offensively, not a bad showing. GRADE: B
Sergio Mitre was not the problem today, as the right-hander, 2 years off of Tommy John surgery, provided 5+ innings of 1 run baseball. Another nice start by Mitre who is making a case to be a 5th man in the rotation if someone goes down with an injury or Vazquez can't figure out how to pitch in NY. GRADE: B+
The bullpen gets the blame today for losing the game. Robertson did a good job in 2 innings of work which is a nice change and he was definitely the bright spot. Chamberlain however, after several dominating performaces, couldn't seem to find his good stuff today, leading to Rivera being brought in for a 4 out save. Unfortunately, he gave up a bases loaded walk and a grand slam. MLB newcomer Ivan Nova pithched another inning of effective baseball but did give up 2 hits. The good 2 inning performance of Robertson saves this from being a lower grade. GRADE: C-
Grade break down:
Starting pitcher (Mitre): B+
Offense: B
Bullpen: C-
Next up, the Red Sox! They come into town tomorrow night off 2 straight loses to the Tigers and in desparate need of two wins versus the Yanks. They'll have Monday and Tuesday to try to get at least one win at the Stadium. The Bronx Bombers will counter with one of the best pitchers in the A.L., Phil Hughes and the ace of their staff, CC Sabbathia. The Yanks will see Matsusaka for the first time this year tomorrow night and Josh Beckett on Tuesday. Both starters are trying to find their great form.
Weather for tomorrow's game against the Red Sox: Increasing clouds throughout the game. Temperatures in the 60s falling into the upper 50s by the end of the game. Possibly a shower on the drive home.
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