Yankees Love to Sweep



Soriano collects 13th save in Yankees ninth straight victory

Series against National League teams, that is. The Yankees have swept three against the red hot Washington Nationals and have now swept three series in a row. They entered today's game with eight straight wins. This streak had to end somewhere, and I was thinking that today could have been that day. Instead, the Bombers come back to New York tomorrow night with a nine game winning streak. They are also facing a team in the Atlanta Braves that they have swept in this nine game stretch. They are winning without getting hits with runners in scoring position too, which is puzzling. However, they are getting strong starting pitching in the month of June and have given themselves a comfortable lead in the American League East as they continue to mash NL East teams. The Yankees winning could have meant first place for the Mets or the Braves, but they all managed to lose when playing against the Reds and Orioles, respectively.

Ivan Nova gave the Yankees exactly what they needed after a 14 inning game. He gave them quality length at a quick pace. Nova went 7.2 innings, allowing only one run on a LaRoche home run in the second inning. Aside from that, he was able to escape a couple of jams. Otherwise, he had shutdown innings. He retired the side in the sixth inning on four pitches! Looks like Nova has figured something out. His fastball command has returned to where he wants it to be. Combine his plus fastball with a great slider along with a strong curve and at times he can be un-hittable. What is even more important is that the Yankee pitching was able to tame phenom Bryce Harper who collected three hits in fifteen at-bats. Nova's record grows to 9-2 with the Yankee victory, giving him the team lead in wins over Sabathia who pitches tomorrow night at the Stadium.

The Yankees were able to win today's game in a way that they have been winning a lot this year. They hit two solo home runs to account for half of their offense. One run was driven in via sac fly and the last run of the game came on a passed ball. 0-12 with runners in scoring position is embarrassing, but when you're winning that is able to be overlooked. Granderson continues his home run tear. He now has 21 home runs and still doesn't consider himself a home run hitter. Give it up Curtis. You have three stolen bases in 65 games. You are a home run hitter.

Tomorrow, the Yankees meet up with the Braves for a three game set at Yankee Stadium. CC Sabathia will oppose Mike Minor in tomorrow's game as the Yankees look to win their tenth straight game.