Commentary:
The Twins can be happy for one night as a 4-0 8th inning Yankee lead vanished as quickly as the pleasant weather yesterday. Delmon Young's 3 RBI double (really a jam shot that was popped to right field and happened to fall in) tied the game at 4 in the top of the 8th before Boone Logan did what he does best and show no poise when he relieved Mo in the 10th. He gave up the game winning hit to Mauer which made it 5-4 and the Yanks couldn't muster a baserunner in the bottom of the inning.
Lost was Sabathia's brilliant start in which he didn't have his best stuff but managed to record 6 Ks and 2 H over 7 IP. With CC's night over, Girardi elected to use Soriano again after using him for 19 pitches last night. It was clear from the beginning that Soriano didn't have it, issuing 3 BBs. I have to disagree with Girardi's move here and think Robertson was the better option with the 4-0 lead since he hadn't pitched in a few days. Robertson eventually got his turn when after Soriano had already walked in a run and the bases were still loaded. After reaching a full count on Delmon Young, Robertson jammed him with a high fast ball but it dropped in to right field, clearing the bases. I've already seen the usual ranting about Girardi on the message boards and I do agree that Soriano shouldn't have been used in the 8th inning. But to say that Robertson shouldn't have been used because he is not reliable is a ridiculous statement. Given better luck, he gets out of the jam without allowing a run. In addition, I do agree that Girardi tends to be a bit too much "by the book" and can often times not go with the "feel of the game." However, who else would you have used in the 10th inning other than Boone Logan? He was fairly (okay, maybe that is a bit generous) dependable last year. In the end, the Twins pick up a much needed win at the Stadium on a blustery and cold night that could help explain Soriano's issues.
Grades:
Offense: B- Yes they had 2 more HRs. Yes they were 1-1 w/RISP. But when it mattered most in the late innings the Yanks couldn't produce anything on the basepaths. While hitting many home runs is nice, it has to take a mental toll on the club which is now subconsciously waiting for or trying to hit the long ball. Other sources of offense must show up soon and it is not enough to score in the first two innings only on back-to-back nights and expect to win both games.
Starting Pitching (Sabathia): A You ask for much more except a complete game shut out from CC. Too bad he won't pick up a win for his effort. He now has 2 no decisions.
Bullpen: C- The grade isn't lower because Mo had a perfect 9th and Young's hit to tie the game off Robertson was mostly luck. Logan and Soriano were awful. Ayala looked decent, inducing a double play ball immediately upon entering the game.
Weather for Tomorrow's Match Up:
Can't rule out a shower tomorrow night so bring the umbrella and poncho. Any rain should be short lived, allowing the game to be played fully.
Game Time Conditions: Mostly cloudy with spotty showers. Temperature of 51 degrees.
Verification of Yesterday's Forecast:
Forecast Temp: 46
Observed Temp: 45
Forecast Conditions: Mostly cloudy with gusty NW wind at 20mph
Observed Conditions: Mostly cloudy with WNW wind sustained at 10mph, gusting to 25mph.
Grade: A
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