I didn’t realize the Mariners were this bad. Careless fielding the past two nights have cost them dearly and the Yankees aren’t currently in the mood to let mistakes pass unnoticed. So when Franklyn Gutierrez and Ichiro Suzuki let a fly ball drop in the second inning, the Yanks pounced. The play led to Nick Swisher’s three run jack to left field which put the Yanks up 4-1. From there, they cruised. Derek Jeter added a solo homer in the ninth and the Bombers got a decent start from Serge Mitre who allowed one earned run in 5.1 innings. David Robertson, Phil Coke and Mariano Rivera did not allow a run (though Rivera walked another batter–what is this world coming to?).
Final Score: Yanks 5, Mariners 2.
The win puts the Yankees 7.5 games ahead of the Red Sox who lost in Texas last night. New York has won 12 of its last 13. Mmmm, mmmm, good.
My wife says I am absolutely not allowed to shout and moan about the game today. And I’m not allowed to write that she doesn’t get it. I nodded my head as she spoke and she said, “You haven’t heard a word I said, have you?” I did and won’t bitch today but why let her know that?
Selective hearing, you know. Another key to a beautiful marriage.
[0]
The Ichiro attempted steal of third with two out and Branyan up and Molina behind the plate was another "bad Mariner moment".
Robertson may be emerging as a weapon.
I think Ichiro was trying to force the action because his team is struggling.
The Mariner's offense has been underwhelming, which probably explains Mitre's effectiveness. Joba needs to continue the Yankees' pitching dominance.
The Yanks ERA+ is now 104, which puts the Yanks tied for 7th. However, I am guessing that from the 2nd Atlanta game forward (or the All Star Game forward) the Yanks are much higher than 7th. Can anyone tell me how to check that?
Oh, and we're about to face a team for three games starting tomorrow with a 92 ERA+ on the season. We'll see how the Yanks league leading 118 OPS+ handles that!
Jeter needs 36 hits to tie Gehrig. Anyone want to start a pool here for the date?
[3] as an addendum, I love the fact that our pen now includes a ton of effective arms to form a bridge to Mo.....Robertson, Bruney (effective again), Aceves, and Hughes...Coke's only got a 92 ERA+ but he looks good with some rest. I just can't wait until Melancon comes back up.
[4] I'll go with 28 games from now. OK, that should make it Monday, September 28, against the Angels. He breaks the mark the next day.
[4] He'll reach the mark as early as 9/14/09 and as late as 9/16/09....Since I expect he'll rest a couple of games, I'll say 9/16/09 at home against Toronto.
It sure is great watching your team beat the hell out of everyone else.
[8] And watching the Ped Sox slip slide away.
[9] I spent the weekend with Red Sox fans. It was illuminating.