Travis Hafner certainly had quite a homecoming, hitting a long first inning three-run home run to put the Yankees on the board. Hafner would follow the home run with a RBI single followed by two consecutive walks before finally making an out in the ninth inning. Hafner, nicknamed "Pronk" during his tenure with the Indians is a very well-liked guy because of his professionalism and likable personality. His hits certainly proved that he still has what it takes and he did it against his old team which makes it even sweeter for Pronk. Seven of the nine players in the starting lineup amassed hits, with Cano breaking out of his early season slump to hit a double and two home runs, which were his first three extra base hits of the season. It it vital for Cano to produce in order for this Yankee team to succeed. For two straight games the Yankees have blown out their opponent, which is significant after starting the season with five straight games in which they scored four runs or less.
Hiroki Kuroda made his first start since bruising his right middle finger. Kuroda admitted that he was not 100% but was able to pitch. His first inning was brutal; Kuroda was unable to throw a strike. He was walking hitters left and right and surrendered three runs in the process. He settled down shortly thereafter, going 5.1 innings and allowing only the three runs in the first inning. The Yankees bullpen took over following Kuroda and delivered a commendable performance. I throw this start away, despite Kuroda getting the win because he was still searching for his pitches in the beginning of this start. He was able to locate, but in the end his high pitch count was the culprit for his short outing.
The Yankees will try to extend their winning streak to three games tomorrow night as Andy Pettitte will make a start, coming off a stellar eight inning performance at Yankee Stadium. Opposing this hot Yankees lineup will be Carlos Carrasco.
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