Yankees Blast Their Way to 6 Straight

Yankees Blast Twins Out Of Town

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Alex Rodriguez • andy pettitte • Glen Perkins • Justin Morneau • mariano rivera • Mark Teixeira • Michael Cuddyer • Yankees 5/18 recap • Yankees vs. Twins

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Minnesota	2	0	0	1	0	1	0	1	1		6	13	1
NY Yankees	6	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	X		7	13	0

WP - Pettitte (4-1) SV - Coke (1) LP - Perkins (1-3)

Monday night’s finale of the four game series between the Yankees and Minnesota Twins was not without it’s 9th inning drama, but unlike it’s three predecessors, this game ended with the Yankees on the field. The Bombers lived up to their name and used a 6-run 1st inning to beat the Twins 7-6 and extended their season high winning streak to six games.

The Twins jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning on RBI singles by the Twin killers, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. But the Yankees got winning pitcher Andy Pettitte immediately off the hook when it was their turn to bat. Batting from the right side, Mark Teixeira followed singles by Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon with a long 3-run home run to left field off starter Glen Perkins. Alex Rodriguez followed with his own shot to left for back to back home runs and a 4-2 lead. It was the third straight game in which A-Rod homered.

Perkins retired Nick Swisher on a fly to deep left for the first out of the inning, but Robinson Cano reached on a ground rule double and scored on a Melky Cabrera single. The Melkman moved to second base on a passed ball and two batters later scored on Francisco Cervelli’s seeing eye base hit back through the box. Down 6-2, Perkins night ended after just two-thirds of an inning. It was his shortest stint of the season.

The Twins cut the lead in half against Pettitte with single runs in the fourth and sixth innings, including a solo home run by Michael Cuddyer, and chased the Yankee left-hander in the 7th. Jose Veras came on with two on and two out and promptly walked Cuddyer to load the bases. But the erratic right-hander got Carlos Gomez to fly out to Cabrera in center to end the inning.

Teixeira’s second home run of the game, a high and deep drive to right, came from the left side of the plate and gave the Yankees a 7-4 lead after seven. The Yankees would need the extra run since closer Mariano Rivera was unavailable after pitching three straight days.

Denard Span homered off Edwar Ramirez in the 8th and the Twins put the tying run on first with two outs. Joe Girardi sent for Phil Coke to face Morneau, who had homered off of him on Saturday. This time out, Coke was able to celebrate with a fist pump after he struck out the Twins’ slugger. With Rivera watching,Girardi left the game in Coke’s hands in the 9th and the lefty had to work out of his own jam.

Coke walked Joe Crede to start the inning and promptly threw a wild pitch that allowed pinch-runner Matt Tolbert to move into scoring position. A couple of ground outs brought Tolbert home and it was suddenly just a one run ball game. Coke added more drama to the mix by issung a walk to Gomez, the Twins’ top threat to steal. But after pinch-hitter Mike Redmond fouled off several 3-2 pitches, Coke picked up his first career save by getting Redmond to bounce out to Cano to end the game.

Game Notes

It was Mark Teixeira’s second multiple home run game of the season. In both instances he has hit one home run from each side of the plate.

Brett Gardner sat out with a bruised shoulder, suffered when he tried to score from second base on Francisco Cervelli’s infield single on Sunday. He may miss tomorrow’s series opener with Baltimore as well.

Brian Bruney felt good after a rehab appearance for Scranton on Sunday and is expected to be activated in time for Tuesday night’s game with the Orioles.

Alex Rodriguez‘ home run was his 212th as a Yankee, moving him ahead of Derek Jeter for 10th place on the all-time franchise home run list. It was also A-Rod’s 557th all-time, putting him six behind Reggie Jackson, who celebrated his 63rd birthday on Monday, for 11th place on the all-time major league home run list.

Ron Gardenhire probably ran out of Yankee Stadium when the game was over. The Twins have lost 24 of the last 27 meetings in the Bronx.

Putrid, Pathetic, Pinstripes

Your 2008 New York Yankees (music swells)

Another horrid display tonight by the team masquerading as the New York Yankees. They mailed it, C.O.D.. It all started with Joe Girardi sitting down Johnny Damon when all games are "must wins". If Damon's shoulder is bothering him again, it's one thing, but since no one is saying, we're not giving the benefit of the doubt.

Kudos to Sidney Ponson for another big performance. Sir Sidney pitched into the eighth inning, giving the Yankees a chance, but the offense was non-existent. Twins rookie starter Glen Perkins is a highly regarded prospect, but the Yankees at-bats tonight were lifeless. Perkins had allowed 5 runs in a six inning start against New York back on July 23, but this time he limited them to 4 hits over eight innings. The Yankees don't hit well against rookies and lefties (or anyone right now for that matter), so if you combine the two, look out.

Light-hitting Adam Everett gave the Twins the lead in the second, when he hit his second home run of the season with a man aboard. The Yankees meanwhile wasted a two on, two out situation in the first when Xavier Nady flied out. The Yankees had their best chance an inning later when Robinson Cano lead off with a single and moved to third base on an errant pick-off attempt. But after a walk to Richie Sexson, Ivan Rodriguez popped out and Melky Cabrera bounced into an inning-ending double play (note to Joe Girardi: you CANNOT have Cabrera and Christian in the lineup together).

The Twins tacked on a run in the sixth, on a Joe Mauer sacrifice fly, and in the eighth on a Justin Morneau single. Joe Nathan came on in a non-save situation in the ninth to face Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez, and Nady, and struck out the side.


News and Notes

Joba Chamberlain will begin a throwing program on Friday, not Wednesday as originally reported.

Hideki Matsui is getting closer to a rehab assignment.

Putrid, Pathetic, Pinstripes

Your 2008 New York Yankees (music swells)

Another horrid display tonight by the team masquerading as the New York Yankees. They mailed it, C.O.D.. It all started with Joe Girardi sitting down Johnny Damon when all games are "must wins". If Damon's shoulder is bothering him again, it's one thing, but since no one is saying, we're not giving the benefit of the doubt.

Kudos to Sidney Ponson for another big performance. Sir Sidney pitched into the eighth inning, giving the Yankees a chance, but the offense was non-existent. Twins rookie starter Glen Perkins is a highly regarded prospect, but the Yankees at-bats tonight were lifeless. Perkins had allowed 5 runs in a six inning start against New York back on July 23, but this time he limited them to 4 hits over eight innings. The Yankees don't hit well against rookies and lefties (or anyone right now for that matter), so if you combine the two, look out.

Light-hitting Adam Everett gave the Twins the lead in the second, when he hit his second home run of the season with a man aboard. The Yankees meanwhile wasted a two on, two out situation in the first when Xavier Nady flied out. The Yankees had their best chance an inning later when Robinson Cano lead off with a single and moved to third base on an errant pick-off attempt. But after a walk to Richie Sexson, Ivan Rodriguez popped out and Melky Cabrera bounced into an inning-ending double play (note to Joe Girardi: you CANNOT have Cabrera and Christian in the lineup together).

The Twins tacked on a run in the sixth, on a Joe Mauer sacrifice fly, and in the eighth on a Justin Morneau single. Joe Nathan came on in a non-save situation in the ninth to face Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez, and Nady, and struck out the side.


News and Notes

Joba Chamberlain will begin a throwing program on Friday, not Wednesday as originally reported.

Hideki Matsui is getting closer to a rehab assignment.

Around the Horn - 5/21

Whatever good feelings the Mets and their fans may have had after the weekend sweep of the Yankees went out the window yesterday when the Braves took both ends of a doubleheader from the Flushing crew.

Mets fans are still mad at Tom Glavine's horrid performance in the season finale last year and are probably pissed off even more now after Glavine retired the last 17 men he faced in beating the Mets in game 1, 6-1. Jorge Campillo earned his 1st major league win in the nightcap when the Bravs won again, this time 6-2.

The Phillies and Nationals hooked up in a scoreless pitching duel until Greg Dobbs' pinch-hit RBI double gave the Phillies a 1-0 win in the 9th. Tom Gordon got the win after Cole Hamels struck out 11 in 7 innings.

The Brewers bounced back from their awful weekend in Boston with a 7-2 pasting of the Pirates. Mike Cameron and Corey Hart homered to help Manny Parra win his 2nd of the season. Eric Gagne had to leave the game in the 9th with shoulder stiffness.

Tim Lincecum improve to 6-1 after the Giants edged the Rockies 6-5. Lincecum has a road best ERA of 0.39. Rich Aurilia and Fred Lewis each homered. Rockies injured shortstop Troy Tulowitzki took fielding practice for the first time since ripping a quad muscle at the end of April.

The Cardinals' Joel Pineiro was shutting down the Padres into the 6th when Kevin Kouzmanoff belted a go-ahead 428-ft, 3-run home run. The blast held up in the Padres 3-2 win. Greg Maddux got no decision after giving up 2 runs in 5 innings.

Dan Uggla belted his 14th home run and Mark Hendrickson struck out 7 in 5-plus innings as the Marlins edged the Diamondbacks 3-2. Micah Owings was solid, thought he went hitless, for Arizona, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings while striking out 10.

Chad Billingsley tossed 7 scoreless innings in the Dodgers 4-1 over the Reds. Adam Dunn has his (shared) team record of 5 straight games with a home run stopped, and also had an 8-game RBI streak ended. Ken Griffey Jr. has gone 86 at-bats without a home run.

Hunter Pence belted a 4th inning grand slam in the Astros 4-2 win over the Cubs. Miguel Tejada doubled in the game for his 1,800th career hit to help Chris Sampson even his record at 3-3.

There was no no-hitter for the Red Sox last night, but the KC Royals went down just as meekly. Justin Masterson won his first major league game as he and the Sox bullpen limited the punchless Royals to 5 hits. Sox reliever/spot starterJulian Tavarez passed through waivers and expected an assignment to Pawtucket.

Justin Verlander finally won his 2nd game as the Tigers out scored the Mariners 12-8. Edger Renteria enjoyed a 4-hit, 5 RBI night, as he, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, and Curtis Granderson all went deep.

Left fielder Emil Brown lost Dionner Navarro's 8th inning line drive in the lights enabling 3 runs to score to give the Rays a 3-2 win over the A's. Navarro was credited with a 3-run double after the play was initially ruled an error. It ruined a great effort from Greg Smith who was tagged with the loss. Frank Thomas hit his 518th career home run.

John Lackey won his first game of the year with 7 stellar innings in the Angels 3-1 win over the Blue Jays. Francisco Rodriguez walked the bases loaded in the 9th, but escaped with his 18th save. Angels shortstop Erick Aybar dislocated his pinky during the game. X-Rays were negative, but he may miss some time.

The Twins pounded the Rangers 11-4 to earn Glen Perkins his first major league win. Texas expects to activate Hank Blalock this weekend. He'll be starting at his new position, 1st Base.

Jose Contreras won for the 3rd straight time out in the White Sox 4-1 win over the Indians. He lowered his ERA to 3.17 in the process of beating C.C. Sabathia. Carlos Quentin and Jim Thome (#515) homered for the Chisox.

Around the Horn - 5/21

Whatever good feelings the Mets and their fans may have had after the weekend sweep of the Yankees went out the window yesterday when the Braves took both ends of a doubleheader from the Flushing crew.

Mets fans are still mad at Tom Glavine's horrid performance in the season finale last year and are probably pissed off even more now after Glavine retired the last 17 men he faced in beating the Mets in game 1, 6-1. Jorge Campillo earned his 1st major league win in the nightcap when the Bravs won again, this time 6-2.

The Phillies and Nationals hooked up in a scoreless pitching duel until Greg Dobbs' pinch-hit RBI double gave the Phillies a 1-0 win in the 9th. Tom Gordon got the win after Cole Hamels struck out 11 in 7 innings.

The Brewers bounced back from their awful weekend in Boston with a 7-2 pasting of the Pirates. Mike Cameron and Corey Hart homered to help Manny Parra win his 2nd of the season. Eric Gagne had to leave the game in the 9th with shoulder stiffness.

Tim Lincecum improve to 6-1 after the Giants edged the Rockies 6-5. Lincecum has a road best ERA of 0.39. Rich Aurilia and Fred Lewis each homered. Rockies injured shortstop Troy Tulowitzki took fielding practice for the first time since ripping a quad muscle at the end of April.

The Cardinals' Joel Pineiro was shutting down the Padres into the 6th when Kevin Kouzmanoff belted a go-ahead 428-ft, 3-run home run. The blast held up in the Padres 3-2 win. Greg Maddux got no decision after giving up 2 runs in 5 innings.

Dan Uggla belted his 14th home run and Mark Hendrickson struck out 7 in 5-plus innings as the Marlins edged the Diamondbacks 3-2. Micah Owings was solid, thought he went hitless, for Arizona, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings while striking out 10.

Chad Billingsley tossed 7 scoreless innings in the Dodgers 4-1 over the Reds. Adam Dunn has his (shared) team record of 5 straight games with a home run stopped, and also had an 8-game RBI streak ended. Ken Griffey Jr. has gone 86 at-bats without a home run.

Hunter Pence belted a 4th inning grand slam in the Astros 4-2 win over the Cubs. Miguel Tejada doubled in the game for his 1,800th career hit to help Chris Sampson even his record at 3-3.

There was no no-hitter for the Red Sox last night, but the KC Royals went down just as meekly. Justin Masterson won his first major league game as he and the Sox bullpen limited the punchless Royals to 5 hits. Sox reliever/spot starterJulian Tavarez passed through waivers and expected an assignment to Pawtucket.

Justin Verlander finally won his 2nd game as the Tigers out scored the Mariners 12-8. Edger Renteria enjoyed a 4-hit, 5 RBI night, as he, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, and Curtis Granderson all went deep.

Left fielder Emil Brown lost Dionner Navarro's 8th inning line drive in the lights enabling 3 runs to score to give the Rays a 3-2 win over the A's. Navarro was credited with a 3-run double after the play was initially ruled an error. It ruined a great effort from Greg Smith who was tagged with the loss. Frank Thomas hit his 518th career home run.

John Lackey won his first game of the year with 7 stellar innings in the Angels 3-1 win over the Blue Jays. Francisco Rodriguez walked the bases loaded in the 9th, but escaped with his 18th save. Angels shortstop Erick Aybar dislocated his pinky during the game. X-Rays were negative, but he may miss some time.

The Twins pounded the Rangers 11-4 to earn Glen Perkins his first major league win. Texas expects to activate Hank Blalock this weekend. He'll be starting at his new position, 1st Base.

Jose Contreras won for the 3rd straight time out in the White Sox 4-1 win over the Indians. He lowered his ERA to 3.17 in the process of beating C.C. Sabathia. Carlos Quentin and Jim Thome (#515) homered for the Chisox.