Hughes Makes a Pitch for Post-Season

In our discussion the other day of the Yankees post-season roster we didn't feel that Phil Hughes would be included in the 1st round . No need for too many starters and the rook doesn't have relief experience. But last night the Yankees #1 pick in 2005 may have pushed his way on to the playoff roster.

Hughes improved his record to 5-3 with 7 innings of 4-hit ball as the Yankees subs topped the Devil Rays 4-1. Hughes threw 102 pitches, walking 2 batters and striking out 5. He finished his rookie campaign with a 4.46 ERA and was 3-0, 2.73 in his last 5 starts.

The only Yankees regulars in the lineup last night were Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Robinson Cano, and Jason Giambi, and even Giambi hasn't been a regular of late. Carlos Pena had given the Rays a 1-0 lead in the 4th with his 44th HR of the season, and Scott Kazmir blanked the Bombers through 5. But Damon's RBI double tied it in the 6th, and Jose Molina bounced a 2-run single back up the middle off of Jon Switzer (0-2) in the 7th to give the Yankees the lead for good.

Joba Chamberlain entered in the 7th in his first back-to-back appearance as the "Joba Rules" continue to be molded for the post-season. Chamberlain started the inning throwing in the mid 90's, but was hitting 97-98 when he struck out B.J. Upton to end the inning. He allowed a double to Josh Wilson and hit Pena on the foot with a breaking pitch, but did record 2 strikeouts. Jose Veras pitched the 9th to earn his 1st save of the season, and 2nd of his career.

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Bronson Sardinha started in right field and picked up his 1st major league hit. Alberto Gonzalez accomplished the feat as well, getting the start at shortstop.

Shelley Duncan started at 1st Base, and made a nice diving stop, throwing to 1st from his butt to get the out.