Vazquez Gets West Coast Trip Off On Right Foot

Javier Vazquez remembers back in April when the boos outweighed his fastball. But since then Vazquez has pitched at an All-Star level. The new and improved Vazquez continued last night when he pitching seven strong innings to earn his 7th win in the Yankees 3-1 victory over the Oakland A's.

Vazquez pitched to a 9.00 ERA in the first month of the season and was booed lustily by Yankees fans who still erroneously blamed him for the game 7 loss in the 2004 ALCS. But despite being skipped over in the rotation once, Vazquez hung tough and has recorded a 6-4, 3.57 mark since May 1. He's been even better since June 1, putting up a 2.93 ERA and has held opponents to under a .200 average.

The Yankees needed a good start from Vazquez since the team's offense couldn't muster much against A's starter Ben Sheets. The Yankees got on the board in the 2nd inning with a trio of clutch two out base hits.

Nick Swisher doubled into the right field corner and came around to score on Curtis Granderson's triple. Francisco Cervelli then served one back up the middle for an RBI single and a 2-0 Yankees lead.

Oakland got a run back in the 4th on a one out triple by Cliff Pennington and a sacrifice fly by Coco Crisp. But Mark Teixeira smacked his 14th home run of the season in the 6th to re-establish the two run lead.

That's all Vazquez, Joba Chamberlain, and Mariano Rivera, who earned his 19th save, would need to take the first game of the three game set.

Notes

With Brett Gardner red hot at the bottom of the lineup, Joe Girardi decided to shake things up a bit and put him in the lead off spot. Derek Jeter moved back to his old number two spot in the order. Gardner was 0-4, but is expected to get a shot at using his speed at the top of the lineup.

Curtis Granderson and Colin Curtis made back to back diving catches in the 7th inning to take away a pair of Oakland hits.

Jorge Posada will still need another day or two, according to Girardi, before being able to return to the lineup after a foul tip left him a sprained left ring finger on Sunday.

Thames is Back

Marcus Thames is back in the Bronx. The DH - you really can't call him an outfielder, ya know? - completed a rehab stint in Scranton on Saturday.

Chad Huffman is the odd man out. Colin Curtis being a lefty hitter had the advantage here (that any had the same amount of hits in 8 less at-bats). Huffman was just 3-18 (.167) and had a big 2-run single in the come from behind win against the Dodgers last Sunday.

Now if we can only keep Thames out of left field.

Yankees Outlast Dbacks in 10

Mariano Rivera must have been experiencing some deja vu, or at the very least, some near deja vu last night. But thankfully for the greatest closer of all time this is June, 2010 not November, 2001. Rivera worked out of a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 10th inning and the Yankees defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 last night. In doing so, the Yankees took two of three and picked up a game on the Rays and Red Sox, both of whom lost.

The Yankees did everything they could to not win the game, particular on the basepaths, but the Diamondbacks bullpen was much more giving. After Alex Rodriguez's sac fly tied the game against Aaron Heilman in the 9th, Curtis Granderson smacked a solo home run off Carlos Rosa in the 10th inning to give the Bombers a 6-5 lead. Granderson is the only major leaguer with more than one home run in extra innings this season.

The Diamondbacks immediately rallied against Rivera in their half of the 10, loading the bases on a Stephen Drew single, a double off the bat of Justin Upton, and intentional walk to Miguel Montero. Rivera got Chris Young to foul out to Francisco Cervelli and Adam LaRoche, who had driven in all five Dbacks runs, to pop out to third. That left things up to Mark Reynolds, king of home runs and strikeouts. Rivera made it the latter, pushing Reynolds strikeout total to 103 with a swing and a miss at strike three.

This was a game that was ugly for the start. Dontrelle Willis couldn't throw strikes, but the Yankees made a pair of base running blunders to ruin a potential big 1st inning. Nick Swisher was picked off 1st base (though it was recorded as a caught stealing) and Mark Teixeira was thrown out on ill time double steal time as Robinson Cano struck out.

Javier Vazquez lasted just five innings before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the 6th. LaRoche victimized for a pair of 2-run singles, but he got off the hook when the Yankees tied the game at 4-4 in the 6th with a pair of runs. That included a pinch-hit RBI single for Colin Curtis.

Damaso Marte gave the run right back in the bottom of the sixth with the help of a balk and a wild pitch. LaRoche's ground out gave AZ a 5-4 lead and set up the late game drama.

Pettitte Exorcises Some Demons

A regular season game in June can't be compared to a World Series potential clincher, but Andy Pettitte had to feel some satisfaction after returning to the scene of his self proclaimed "worst start of my career". Pettitte limited the Arizona Diamondbacks to two runs over seven innings and the Yankees broke open a close game late for a 9-3 win.

Though he had been back to Chase Field (formerly "The BOB") as a member of the Houston Astros, this was the first time Pettitte stood atop the mound in his New York Yankees grey road uniform since his game six debacle (2 IP 6 ER) in the 2001 World Series. The Dbacks are not the same team in any way, shape, or form, but Pettitte sparkled in picking up his 9th win.

There was a slight bump in the road when Pettitte let a 2-0 lead, courtesy of Alex Rodriguez's first home run since June 3, get away in the 2nd inning. That's when Pettitte's counterpart, Dan Haren, poked a game tying 2-run single to right. Haren's batting average (.457) is nearly as high as his ERA (4.62)...let's not compare decimal places, shall we?...

The Yankees took the lead right back in the 3rd on an RBI single by Rodriguez and Pettitte made the lead stand up. He scattered seven hits, walked two, and struck out seven in earning his 238th career win (57th on the all time career wins list). His 2.48 ERA is the lowest of his career after 14 starts. Pettitte even amused his fellow pitchers with a base hit.

Pettitte also gave the bullpen some rest, finishing the 7th inning after going past the mystical 100-pitch mark. Haren also left after seven innings and the Yankees took full advantage of a shoddy Dbacks bullpen to bust the game open.

Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, and Curtis Granderson each stroked RBI singles and a Jorge Poasada sac fly gave the Yankees a 7-2 lead. That set the stage for Colin Curtis' second big league at-bat. He didn't disappoint. The Yankees reserve outfielder lined a 2-run double to deep center, much to the delight of his family, who were in attendance for the second straight evening..

Notes

The Yankees gained a game on both Tampa Bay and Boston and lead the AL East by 1.5 games. The Rays dropped their series opener to San Diego and have lost 8 of 11.

It becomes quite clear in watching Alex Rodriguez run that he's well short of being at 100%. Kim Jones reported during the YES broadcast that A-Rod has begun daily work outs in a pool to strengthen his leg and help his mobility. Last night's home run snapped a streak of 49 at-bats without a long ball. It's the third time this season that A-Rod has gone at least 40 games without a home run.

Thunder Sweep SeaDogs

The Trenton Thunder finished off the rival Portland SeaDogs, 5-4 tonight, to complete a three game sweep in the first round of the Eastern League playoffs. Colin Curtis drew a bases loaded walk to snap a 4-4 tie in the top of the ninth as the Thunder won their third straight game. In addition to his walk, Curtis had two singles, a double, triple, and two RBI.

The Thunder tied the game in the eighth when Francisco Cervelli was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Mike Dunn retired the SeaDogs in order in the bottom of the ninth to preserve the win for Kevin Whelan. Whelan struck out five of the six hitters he faced.

It was the second straight come from behind win in the series for Trenton. Thursday night the Thunder trailed Clay Buchholz and the SeaDogs 3-0 in the sixth inning when Austin Jackson hit a game tying 3-run home run. It would stay that way until the eighth when P.J. Pillitere's third hit of the game drove in what proved to be the game winner. Wil Arias picked up the win while Jose Valdez recorded the final two outs for a save.

Thunder Sweep SeaDogs

The Trenton Thunder finished off the rival Portland SeaDogs, 5-4 tonight, to complete a three game sweep in the first round of the Eastern League playoffs. Colin Curtis drew a bases loaded walk to snap a 4-4 tie in the top of the ninth as the Thunder won their third straight game. In addition to his walk, Curtis had two singles, a double, triple, and two RBI.

The Thunder tied the game in the eighth when Francisco Cervelli was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Mike Dunn retired the SeaDogs in order in the bottom of the ninth to preserve the win for Kevin Whelan. Whelan struck out five of the six hitters he faced.

It was the second straight come from behind win in the series for Trenton. Thursday night the Thunder trailed Clay Buchholz and the SeaDogs 3-0 in the sixth inning when Austin Jackson hit a game tying 3-run home run. It would stay that way until the eighth when P.J. Pillitere's third hit of the game drove in what proved to be the game winner. Wil Arias picked up the win while Jose Valdez recorded the final two outs for a save.

Minor League Recap - 7/11

Games of 7/10

Dan McCutchen is getting the hang of Triple-A. He put together his 4th straight good start last night in a 7-3 Scranton win over the Columbus Clippers. McCutchen allowed 2 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings pitched. He walked just 1 and struck out 6. McCutchen is 3-6, 3.32 since his promotion to Scranton, but is 2-1, 1.95 over his last four starts, with a 5:1 strikeout to walk ratio.

McCutchen got plenty of offensive support last night as Yankees Cody Ransom, Juan Miranda, and Matt Carson each went deep against former Yankees Tyler Clippard. Miranda is quietly making a bid for a shot at the bigs next season, specifically against right-handed pitching. Overall, he's hitting .296-5-29 and has posted an .826 OPS. He's hitting .350 against right-handers, as opposed to .151 against lefties.

	July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Scranton/WB 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 7 8 0 Columbus 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 9 1 Recap | Box | W: D. McCutchen (3-6, 3.32); L: T. Clippard (5-7, 4.52) HR: SWB: C. Ransom (15), J. Miranda (5), M. Carson (4).

Eric Hacker wasn't at his best (3 earned runs in 5.1 IP), but he was good enough in Trenton's 5-3 win over the Altoona Curve. Hacker improved to 5-1, 2.37 as a member of the Thunder, after posting a 2-2, 1.87 mark for Tampa. Colin Curtis had a big night with the bat, banging out three doubles and drove in 3 runs. Anthony Claggett struck out 4 in the final 2 innings for his 7th save.

	July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Altoona 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 10 1 Trenton 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 X 5 5 0 Recap | Box | W: E. Hacker (5-1, 2.37); L: J. Hughes (0-1, 9.00); SV: A. Claggett (7) HR: None.

The Tampa Yankees losing streak was extended to 10 games after losing a pair of 7 inning games to the St. Lucie Mets on Thursday. The Mets scored 2 runs off of Josh Schmidt in the 7th for a 3-1 win in the opener. Former Yankees prospect Elvys Quezeda picked up the win.

The Mets won the nightcap 6-3 as Yankees starter Jason Stephens had his worst start of the season. Stephens, who was an All-Star at Charleston prior to his promotion to Tampa, allowed 6 runs in just 3.2 innings pitched. He had allowed just 2 earned runs in his previous 17 innings. Tim Battle, who drove in the lone Tampa run in game one, homered in the nightcap. The Yankees will try to snap their streak tonight when they start a 4-game series with Vero Beach.

July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E St. Lucie 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 4 0 Tampa 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 7 0 Recap | Box W: E. Quezada (2-0, 2.92); L: J. Schmidt (0-2, 3.50); SV: G. Marte (4) HR: None.

	July 10, 2008 Game 2
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E St. Lucie 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 6 13 1 Tampa 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 Recap | Box W: M. Antonini (3-0, 1.95); L: J. Stephens (2-2, 3.48); SV: S. Clyne (2) HR: TAM: T. Battle (8).

The Charleston River Dogs game with the Lexington Legends was rained out, but they start a new series tonight with the West Virginia Power.

Staten Island blew a 3-0 lead, but then beat the Oneonta Tigers 5-3. Mike Lyons' single in the 7th put the Yankees ahead for good, and Jahdiel Santamaria added an insurance RBI single for the Baby Bombers in the 8th. Drew Shetrone picked up the win after a very good start by Brandon Braboy. Pat Venditte earned his 6th save with a scoreless 9th, and has not been scored upon in 10.2 innings this season.

	July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Oneonta 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 10 1 Staten Island 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 X 5 9 2 Recap | Box W: D. Shetrone (1-1, 3.24); L: A. Fuhrman (2-2, 6.59); SV: P. Venditte (6) HR: ONE: B. Nowlin (1).

The GCL Yankees rallied from a 3-run deficit to beat the GCL Braves 6-5 in 11 innings. The Yankees trailed 5-2 in the 9th, but Alvaro Ramirez hit a 2-run home run and Tom Baldridge singled in the tying run. In the 11th, Zoilo Almonte singled, moved to 2nd base on a wild pitch, and scored on a single by Neall French for the game winner. Mike O'Bradovich tossed 3 scoreless innings for the win.

	July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 R H E GCL Braves 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 10 1 GCL Yankees 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 6 14 0 Recap | Box W: M. Obradovich (1-0, 0.00); L: C. Hung (1-1, 2.45) HR: YAN: A. Ramirez (1).

Minor League Recap - 7/11

Games of 7/10

Dan McCutchen is getting the hang of Triple-A. He put together his 4th straight good start last night in a 7-3 Scranton win over the Columbus Clippers. McCutchen allowed 2 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings pitched. He walked just 1 and struck out 6. McCutchen is 3-6, 3.32 since his promotion to Scranton, but is 2-1, 1.95 over his last four starts, with a 5:1 strikeout to walk ratio.

McCutchen got plenty of offensive support last night as Yankees Cody Ransom, Juan Miranda, and Matt Carson each went deep against former Yankees Tyler Clippard. Miranda is quietly making a bid for a shot at the bigs next season, specifically against right-handed pitching. Overall, he's hitting .296-5-29 and has posted an .826 OPS. He's hitting .350 against right-handers, as opposed to .151 against lefties.

	July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Scranton/WB 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 7 8 0 Columbus 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 9 1 Recap | Box | W: D. McCutchen (3-6, 3.32); L: T. Clippard (5-7, 4.52) HR: SWB: C. Ransom (15), J. Miranda (5), M. Carson (4).

Eric Hacker wasn't at his best (3 earned runs in 5.1 IP), but he was good enough in Trenton's 5-3 win over the Altoona Curve. Hacker improved to 5-1, 2.37 as a member of the Thunder, after posting a 2-2, 1.87 mark for Tampa. Colin Curtis had a big night with the bat, banging out three doubles and drove in 3 runs. Anthony Claggett struck out 4 in the final 2 innings for his 7th save.

	July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Altoona 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 10 1 Trenton 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 X 5 5 0 Recap | Box | W: E. Hacker (5-1, 2.37); L: J. Hughes (0-1, 9.00); SV: A. Claggett (7) HR: None.

The Tampa Yankees losing streak was extended to 10 games after losing a pair of 7 inning games to the St. Lucie Mets on Thursday. The Mets scored 2 runs off of Josh Schmidt in the 7th for a 3-1 win in the opener. Former Yankees prospect Elvys Quezeda picked up the win.

The Mets won the nightcap 6-3 as Yankees starter Jason Stephens had his worst start of the season. Stephens, who was an All-Star at Charleston prior to his promotion to Tampa, allowed 6 runs in just 3.2 innings pitched. He had allowed just 2 earned runs in his previous 17 innings. Tim Battle, who drove in the lone Tampa run in game one, homered in the nightcap. The Yankees will try to snap their streak tonight when they start a 4-game series with Vero Beach.

July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E St. Lucie 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 4 0 Tampa 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 7 0 Recap | Box W: E. Quezada (2-0, 2.92); L: J. Schmidt (0-2, 3.50); SV: G. Marte (4) HR: None.

	July 10, 2008 Game 2
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E St. Lucie 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 6 13 1 Tampa 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 Recap | Box W: M. Antonini (3-0, 1.95); L: J. Stephens (2-2, 3.48); SV: S. Clyne (2) HR: TAM: T. Battle (8).

The Charleston River Dogs game with the Lexington Legends was rained out, but they start a new series tonight with the West Virginia Power.

Staten Island blew a 3-0 lead, but then beat the Oneonta Tigers 5-3. Mike Lyons' single in the 7th put the Yankees ahead for good, and Jahdiel Santamaria added an insurance RBI single for the Baby Bombers in the 8th. Drew Shetrone picked up the win after a very good start by Brandon Braboy. Pat Venditte earned his 6th save with a scoreless 9th, and has not been scored upon in 10.2 innings this season.

	July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Oneonta 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 10 1 Staten Island 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 X 5 9 2 Recap | Box W: D. Shetrone (1-1, 3.24); L: A. Fuhrman (2-2, 6.59); SV: P. Venditte (6) HR: ONE: B. Nowlin (1).

The GCL Yankees rallied from a 3-run deficit to beat the GCL Braves 6-5 in 11 innings. The Yankees trailed 5-2 in the 9th, but Alvaro Ramirez hit a 2-run home run and Tom Baldridge singled in the tying run. In the 11th, Zoilo Almonte singled, moved to 2nd base on a wild pitch, and scored on a single by Neall French for the game winner. Mike O'Bradovich tossed 3 scoreless innings for the win.

	July 10, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 R H E GCL Braves 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 10 1 GCL Yankees 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 6 14 0 Recap | Box W: M. Obradovich (1-0, 0.00); L: C. Hung (1-1, 2.45) HR: YAN: A. Ramirez (1).