Long Ball Helps but Small Ball Creates Win for Yanks

Commentary:

Although Granderson's 2-run home run in the first inning picked up where the Yanks left off last night and started the game off on the right note, small ball in the 11th inning would allow New York to win its 12th game of the season.  Behind another brilliant start by Freddy Garcia, a persistent Yankee offense, and timely miscues Baltimore, the Yankees won the extra inning affair 6-3 after a 40 min rain delay due to a strong thunderstorm.

Despite a strong, 6 inning, 2 hit shut out from Garcia, the Yankees bullpen found a way to blow the game and allow it to move to extra innings.  Garcia once again used a variety of offspeed pitches to completely baffle the Baltimore hitters.  They looked as bad as Brett Gardner does at the plate (burn....).  Garcia struck out 7 while throwing 90 pitches which leads me to the question "why did Girardi go to Joba in the 7th?"

I understand that Joba is supposedly the "7th inning" guy but he has been only adequate this season while Garcia has yet to allow a run in two starts.  Wouldn't you stay with Garcia for the 7th?  Instead Joba allowed a 2-run HR to Mark "I'm the first person in baseball history to have a lower batting average than number of strikeouts in the course of a season" Reynolds to make the game 3-2 Yanks.  This lead however would not hold up as Robertson got into trouble in the 8th and forced Girardi to call on Mo for a 4 out save which he would not be able to close out.  He allowed a game tying double by Roberts in the 9th and was lucky that the winning run (Andino) was called out at the plate.

The storm clouds rolled in during the bottom of the 10th and rain began falling in earnest in the top of the 11th.  The airport in Baltimore reported a wind gust of 40mph and it poured for about 20 minutes.  The brief delay seemed to give the Yanks focus while completely ruining the game for the Orioles.  Fielding errors on infield singles following a ringing double by Cano helped the Yanks score 3 runs in the 11th.  Buddy Carlyle closed out the game in the 11th due to Soriano's unavailability because of a "stiff back."

Grades:

Offense:  B+  Came through in the 11th when needed but 14 strikeouts is too many but 7 walks is very respectful.

Starting Pitching (Garcia):  A+  He was mowing down the Orioles and looked like he could have gone at least one or two more innings.  Although he only went 6 innings, he gets the first A+ of the year because he was not taken out of the game for ineffectiveness.

Bullpen: C+  Joba gave up a HR and Mo blew another save.  Logan thankfully looks like he is getting back on track while Robertson struggled for one of the first times this season.

Verification of Yesterday's Forecast:

N/A (Sorry, did not forecast yesterday)

Weather for Tomorrow's Matchup (vs. White Sox):

The Chicago White Sox will visit the Bronx for the first time this season tomorrow night when Burnett (4.37) opposes Umber (4.42).  A warm front lifting northward through the region will promote showers and possibly a rumble of thunder throughout the day.  Although the rain should be scattered in nature, a delay or postponement can not be ruled out.

Game Time Conditions (7:05pm):  Mostly cloudy with showers and possibly a rumble of thunder.  Temperature 64 degrees.