Commentary:
Let it be known that the Bronx Bombers don't always have to "bomb" their way to victory. The Yankees finally figured out how to score without the long ball in this afternoon's 4-3 win over the Twins. Apparently 4 is the magic number (4 runs in each game against the Twins) of late. I'm sure the Red Sox would like to see 4 runs scored in a game as they dropped their 6th straight today to fall to 0-6...more on that later.
A.J. Burnett had his Jekyll and Hyde moments today but in the end the good side won out and he tossed a strong 6 innings allowing 2 ER on 5 H with 2 BB and 5 Ks. He struggled with his command at times but was not wild and there were definitely many positive signs. He walked the first two men he faced in the 2nd but then got the next 3 outs without allowing a run. The only poor part of the day was in the 4th, immediately after he was staked to a 1-0 lead. That quickly evaporated on doubles by Thome and Kubel. The Yanks quickly responded though and ended up winning 4-3 on a key RBI double by Andruw Jones, a Russel Martin RBI ground out, and a Gardner RBI single in the 4th.
On a raw day in the Bronx with a tight and moving strike zone by home plate umpire Larry Vanover, the offense produced runs in a variety of ways while also recovering from a 2-1 deficit. The 4 runs would be all that was needed as JoSoMo (credit: Michael Kay--I can't believe I'm using his abbreviation) closed the door in the 7/8/9 innings. Soriano had an important bounce back game after being roughed up on Tuesday night. Joba did allow a run in the 7th but held the Twins there.
Grades:
Offense: B 4 runs is a decent day but they could have scored more and they only had 5 hits although they made the most of them. Good to see them not rely in the home run.
Starting Pitching (Burnett): B+ 99 pitches in 6 IP isn't economical but he got the job done.
Bullpen: A Great stuff again although Joba allowed a run in the 7th. Mo retired the side in order in the 9th using just 7 pitches while Soriano used just 10 in the 8th.
Weather for Tomorrow's Matchup:
The Yanks will head to Fenway for the first series in Boston where the Fenway Faithful will most assuredly be seething after a 0-6 start including just being swept by the Indians who weren't supposed to be any good (possible special blog post to come on Boston's issues tomorrow). As for the weather...
Game Time Conditions (2:05pm): Partly cloudy and 48 degrees. A crisp but nice early April afternoon for a ball game.
Verification of Yesterday's Forecast:
Forecast Temp: 50
Observed Temp: 47
Forecast Conditions: A spotty shower early with skies clearing throughout the afternoon.
Observed Conditions: No rain with mostly cloudy skies with some peeks of sun appearing late in the game/evening.
Grade: A-
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