When Mark Teixeira hit a long home run to left field in the first inning I figured the Yanks would make it a short night for Bruce Chen. It was a two-run shot and the longest homer I recall seeing Teixeira hitting from the right side since he’s been in New York.
But, Nooooooooo.
Chen settled in, the Royals scored a couple of runs against C.C. in the bottom of the first, and it remained 2-2 until two outs in the top of the seventh when Eduardo Nunez–yes, that Eduardo Nunez–broke the tie with an RBI triple. Chris Stewart–yup, that Chris Stewart–added an RBI and then Derek Jeter–indeed, that Derek Jeter (he of the .404 batting average)–ripped a two-run homer to end Chen’s night the way it was intended.
Final Score: Yanks 6, Royals 2.
[Photo Credit: Minda Haas]
An excellent way to cap off a very long and draining day.
Nice to see the Alabama Hammer pound the Royals into the ground, though I wonder why use him tonight when you might need him tomorrow? Anyone can protect a 4 run lead, especially against the Royals.
Pretty ballsy of the Hammer to strike out the side in his first game as Mo's replacement.
[2] Thus began the Year of the Hammer.
Tactically unnecessary, but it makes sense for Joe to drop Dave in there when the pressure his low for his first outing in his new role.
Also, Sori pitched Thursday. My guess is both are available tonight if necessary.