Yankees Overthrow The King

The Seattle Mariners have a promotion this season for the fans of star pitcher "King" Felix Hernandez. Those who join the King's Court get tickets, t-shirts, and other promotional items. Last night the Court was in full voice in support of their "monarch", but the Yankees dethroned the King in a 9-3 New York victory.

Mark Teixeira belted a solo home run (his 37th) and Chris Dickerson added a 2-run shot as the Yankees scored five runs in the 4th inning to take command of the ball game. Robinson Cano put the game on ice with a 3-run double in the 7th. The run support was more than enough for winning pitcher Phil Hughes to even his record up at 5-5. Hughes allowed one earned run and five hits over six innings as he outpitched last year's AL Cy Young Award winner.

Hernandez had dominated the Yankees in the past, posting a 6-3, 2.82 record in 10 career starts. It looked like it was going to be another long night for the Yankees against Hernandez when the right-hander retired the first six hitters he faced, but Brett Gardner and Chris Dickerson led off the 3rd inning with back to back singles to put runners on the corners. With one down, Dickerson stole second base and Derek Jeter brought Gardner home with a ground out. Seattle used some speed in the bottom of the 3rd to tie things up.

Brendan Ryan reached on a single and swiped second. With two outs and first base open the Yankees elected to pitch to Ichiro Suzuki instead of rookie Kyle Seager, and Suzuki made them pay with an RBI single. The Yankees took control immediately in the 4th when Teixeira went deep to right. Cano followed with a double and moved to third on Nick Swisher's bloop single.

Eric Chavez put the Yankees ahead for good with a sacrifice fly and Gardner followed with a ribbie double. Dickerson then blasted his 1st home run of the season for a 6-1 Yankees lead.

The Mariners tried to come right back by putting two aboard with two outs in the bottom of the inning, but Hughes got Trayvan Robinson to fly out to Gardner in left for the final out of the inning. The situation was repeated in the 6th and final inning for Hughes, with Robinson again flying out to strand two runners.

Notes

One day after making his Major League Debut, Austin Romine made his first Major League start, collected his first big league hit, and scored his first run. With Russell Martin probably out at least one more day and Francisco Cervelli suffering from a concussion, the Yankees lineup will include both Jesus Montero and/or Austin Romine for the foreseeable future.

Scott Proctor allowed a 2-run home run to Miguel Olivo in two innings of work and has a 6.75 ERA since rejoining the Yankees.

Alex Rodriguez is expected to sit out until the weekend due to his badly bruised thumb.

Nick Swisher returned to the lineup with his inflammed left elbow, but was used as the first baseman to cut down on throws he had to make. Mark Teixeira DH'ed.