Shields Shuts Down Yankees To Tie Wild Card

The Boston Red Sox had a nine game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays on September 4. After the Rays beat the Yankees and the Red Sox lost to the Orioles Monday night the two teams were in a perfect tie in the wild card race at 89-71.

James Shields came within one out of a complete game in a 5-2 win over the Yankees. He scattered six hits and a pair of Robinson Cano RBI, including the second baseman's 28th home run of the year. The Rays offense took advantage of inexperienced Hector Noesi, who made just his second big league start. Just like his first start, Noesi didn't make it out of the 3rd inning.

B.J. Upton's 2-run double in the 3rd tied the game at 2-2 and Johnny Damon put Tampa ahead for good with an RBI single. The Rays added tack on runs in the 4th, on a Kelly Shoppach home run off lefty Raul Valdes, and a Damon sac fly in the 7th.

The Yankees had a mild chance in the 9th when Alex Rodriguez reached on an Evan Longoria error, but Jorge Posada bounced into a double play. When Shields walked Eric Chavez, manager Joe Maddon went to closer Kyle Farnsworth, who retired pinch-hitter Jesus Montero on a game ending ground out.

Meanwhile up in Baltimore, the Orioles and Red Sox were tied 2-2 in the 6th as Baltimore's Tommy Hunter kept pace with the much more heralded Josh Beckett. Chris Davis then put Baltimore ahread with an RBI double and set the stage for Robert Andino.

Last week Andino killed the Red Sox when he cleared the loaded bases with a double of Jonathan Papelbon to send Boston to another loss. Andino struck again tonight when he drove a deep fly to center field with two aboard. Jacoby Ellbsury leaped, had the ball, but lost the ball when he crashed into the wall. Both base runners scored easily and Andino raced aroud the bases for an inside-the-park-home-run and a 6-2 Orioles lead.

Boston cut it to 6-3 in the 9th and had the tying run at the plate in the person of Adrian Gonzalez. Closer Jim Johnson got Gonzalez to fly out and then struck out Jed Lowrie swinging to end the game and erase the Red Sox wild card lead.

Notes

Russell Martin was ejected from the Yankees game after a pitch from Hector Noesi was called a ball. Martin made a wisecrack to home plate ump Paul Schrieber who tossed him.

Courtesy of Dellin Betances - the Yankees rookies took their annual hazing Monday night. That's Andrew Brackman and Betances as Milli Vanilli, George Kontos as one half of WHAM, Hector Noesi as Prince, Austin Romine as Madonna, Jesus Montero as MC Hammer (looks more like the Indian from the Village People), and Brandon Laird as Slash. (Thanks to Marc Carig for filling in some of the blanks)

We Want You as a New Recruit

It may be sung to CC Sabathia in the off-season, but for now it's just because the Yankees rookies went through their hazing on Friday night. Normally this would take place after the last home game, but with all of the festivities and a late night last Sunday, things were put off until Boston. The players were dressed as the Village People, though they didn't have enough uniforms for players such as Phil Coke.

Unfortunately, there was also a lack of photographs. From left to right - Francisco Cervelli as the leather clad biker, Juan Miranda as the cop, Humberto Sanchez is "in the Navy", and Al Aceves as the Indian. Not pictured, Brett Gardner as the construction worker, and David Robertson as the cowboy.

Not their best work, but not bad.

We Want You as a New Recruit

It may be sung to CC Sabathia in the off-season, but for now it's just because the Yankees rookies went through their hazing on Friday night. Normally this would take place after the last home game, but with all of the festivities and a late night last Sunday, things were put off until Boston. The players were dressed as the Village People, though they didn't have enough uniforms for players such as Phil Coke.

Unfortunately, there was also a lack of photographs. From left to right - Francisco Cervelli as the leather clad biker, Juan Miranda as the cop, Humberto Sanchez is "in the Navy", and Al Aceves as the Indian. Not pictured, Brett Gardner as the construction worker, and David Robertson as the cowboy.

Not their best work, but not bad.

We're Off to See The Wizard

It was rookie hazing day following yesterday's game and the result was a riot. With Wizard of Oz as the theme, the Yankees rookies stepped outside, fully costumed, to an awaiting crowd of autograph seekers. There was Joba Chamberlain as the Cowardly Lion, Ian Kennedy as Dorothy, Shelley Duncan as the Scarecrow, and Phil Hughes as the Tin Man. Each had to sign autographs before leaving for the flight to Tampa.

Chase Wright was dazzling as Glina the Good Witch, while Edwar Ramirez took on the Wicked Witch of the West. Kei Igawa was dressed as a flying monkey, while Matt DeSalvo, Tyler Clippard, and Russ Ohlendorf were palace guards. Yankees strength coach Dana Cavalea was the Munchkin Mayor.































































































photos courtesy of AP, Daily News

We're Off to See The Wizard

It was rookie hazing day following yesterday's game and the result was a riot. With Wizard of Oz as the theme, the Yankees rookies stepped outside, fully costumed, to an awaiting crowd of autograph seekers. There was Joba Chamberlain as the Cowardly Lion, Ian Kennedy as Dorothy, Shelley Duncan as the Scarecrow, and Phil Hughes as the Tin Man. Each had to sign autographs before leaving for the flight to Tampa.

Chase Wright was dazzling as Glina the Good Witch, while Edwar Ramirez took on the Wicked Witch of the West. Kei Igawa was dressed as a flying monkey, while Matt DeSalvo, Tyler Clippard, and Russ Ohlendorf were palace guards. Yankees strength coach Dana Cavalea was the Munchkin Mayor.































































































photos courtesy of AP, Daily News