Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Mitre Pitches the Yanks Into First

Mitre gave the Yankees exactly what they needed last night. The 28 year old pitched into the sixth inning while only allowing three earned runs on eight hits. He limited the damage by only walking one and by throwing two double play balls. It wasn't the prettiest start, but it is better than Chien-Ming Wang of April and better than watching someone like Sidney Ponson.

The offense finally came alive after scoring just six runs in the previous three games. They scored six last night and they managed to score them in almost every conceivable fashion. First they manufactured a run when A-Rod walked, stole second and then scored on two consecutive fly balls. They followed that up by scoring on a walk, a hit and run single by Jeter, another walk then a bases loaded single by A-Rod. Cano added the mandatory home run the following inning.

The only negative for the offense is Melky Cabrera who has hit his normal mid-summer swoon. After giving Yankee fans false hope with a solid May, he has completely fallen off. Hopefully Brett Gardner can step up for the time being. Girardi hasn't been giving him enough at bats recently, but he should start getting plenty.

It's an early start today as the Yanks go for their second consecutive sweep and look to stay undefeated in the second half. A.J. Burnett pitched effectively against the Tigers, but could stand to limit his walks (as always) and get a few more strike outs. Here's hoping he has the feel for his curve ball today.

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