Yankees Offense Continues to Produce in 9-6 Win

Commentary:

On a gorgeous spring day in Boston, the Yankees took the second game of a three game series from the Red Sox on 9 runs and 13 hits.  The barrage of offense just kept coming yesterday afternoon as New York jumped on Bucholtz early and often while also tacking on runs against the Sox bullpen.  Everyone had a hit except Teixeira and Gardner who is off to a troubling slow start to the season.  Given his good season last year I'd be surprised if he doesn't turn it around soon.  He's also too fast to not leg out some infield singles every so often so I wouldn't be worried yet.  The real powerhouse of the day was Russel Martin.  His 2 HR and 4 RBI led the Yanks to victory.  He is now hitting .321 on the season.  Martin wasn't the only newcomer to make a statement yesterday though.  Eric Chavez was 3 for 5 and a RBI in his first start as a Yank.

As for the pitching, Nova hung in there and the bullpen shut the door, not allowing a Boston come back.  Ivan Nova continued his solid start to the season as the Yanks #4 starter by tossing 4.1 innings and allowing 4 runs.  Although not a great start, he kept New York in the game.  Nova was able to limit damage in most of the innings and needs to work on how he gets out of jams by trusting his pitches.  The real bright spot of the day was the bullpen which allowed 0 runs in 4.2 IP.  Robertson and Chamberlain were perfect while Ayala allowed 3 hits.  Good signs from Robertson who hadn't been extremely sharp this season as well as Ayala who has proven to be a nice option for Girardi.

Boston is now 1-7 and the road gets no easier.  They face CC tonight with Beckett on the mound for the Red Sox who wasn't great in his first start and has always struggled against the Yanks.  After New York leaves town, Boston will host the equally slow starting Rays in a battle to get out of the AL East cellar.  Should be quite the series as both teams can't afford to be swept, falling to possibly 1-11.

Grades:

Offense:  A+  Can't find much fault with yesterday's performance.

Starting Pitching (Nova):  C  Only got through 4.1 but kept the team in the game.  Will be looking for more length as the season progresses.

Bullpen:  A+  Again, can't find anything wrong here.

**No game tomorrow so I will post the weather forecast for Tuesday's game on Monday afternoon/evening.**

Verification of Yesterday's Forecast:

**No forecast**