Colon Comes out Smelling like a (Dead) Rose

Bartolo Colon had a major test with the Yankees today and he failed it miserably. Facing a patient, potent attack, Colon didn't make it out of the 1st inning against the Yankees. The Yankees hit and walked their way to a 4-run inning against the portly right-hander. Though he hit 94 on the radar gun, Colon had trouble keeping his pitches in the strike zone.

After retiring Johnny Damon, Colon gave up a single to Derek Jeter and walked Bobby Abreu on a close 3-2 pitch. Colon retired Jason Giambi, but another walk to Jorge Posada loaded the the bases. Hideki Matsui sliced a ground rule 2-run double to left and Robinson Cano followed a with a 2-run single the opposite way as well. When Colon walked Wilson Betemit his day was done.

The Yankees jumped on Julian Tavarez in the 2nd as well. After plunking Derek Jeter near the elbow - here we go again - Tavarez's very next pitch was drilled into the stands for a 2-run HR by Bobby Abreu. Hideki Matsui added his 3rd RBI of the game later in the inning and is 3-3 on the day thus far.

Andy Pettitte had an up and down outing; he started sharply, but seemed to tire in the 3rd. The Sox reached him for 2 runs in the 3rd and another run in the 4th on a Kevin Youkilis home run.

Yankees lead it, 8-4 in the middle of the 5th.