The Yankees beat the Devil Rays 5-1 on Saturday night in Tampa Bay. It was a crisp, satisfying win for New York who kept pace with the Red Sox who defeated the defending World Champs for the second straight day. Chien-Ming Wang was brilliant–efficient, unspectacular, and just what the doctor ordered. Wang’s sinker impressed the Devil Rays more than somewhat.

“No one’s got as much sink as him that can come back with 95 miles an hour,” said the Devil Rays’ Jonny Gomes, who was 0 for 3. “And he’s still young. He’s still going to get better.”
(Kepner, New York Times)

Kevin Thompson and Melky Cabrera had good games–Melky made a terrific catch to boot; Jorge Posada had a wonderful night, driving in the game’s first run and throwing out two runners (his peg of Carl Crawford in the first inning was an absolutely perfect throw), and Johnny Damon had a crucial, game-breaking at-bat against the impressive Scott Kazmir (Damon went from a quick 0-2 hole, to working the count full before lining a two-run triple to right).

With the victory, Joe Torre ties Casey Stengal for 10th place on the all-time wins list for managers with 1,926. Not bad for a bum, eh?

Bombers go for the sweep today. Casey Fossum–he of the Fossum Floater–goes against Shawn Chacon’s replacement in the Yankee rotation, Kris Wilson. After two pitcher’s duels, you’d have to expect that the bats will run the show today. I always feel like Fossum is going to do well against the Yanks. Here’s hoping that I’m wrong.

Happy Sunday everyone.