Once again, the Yankees lose a one run game that should have been who by them. Phil Hughes' struggles will be the story in this game. He was given a two run lead thanks to Eric Chavez's home run in the fourth inning. He could not tame the red hot Miguel Cabrera who did most of the damage for Tigers against Phil Hughes. Also what made Hughes inefficient in his start was his high pitch count in the fourth and fifth innings. Add those struggles with Miguel Cabrera taking batting practice off of Hughes and the result will not be pretty. Hughes had a chance for the win tonight but he could not contain a lead, similar to what Nova's problem was last night against Verlander.
The Yankee offense was lethargic for the majority of the game. Ichiro had a great night by driving two runners in in a failed comeback but the rest of the offense was largely responsible for the loss along with Hughes poor outing. Granderson in the lead off spot does not sit well with me. He has floundered in that position his whole career and I didn't see a reason for Girardi to mess with an already competent 1-2 slot in the lineup. Granderson will strike out about 180 times this season. Jeter will K half as many times and gives a better at bat. If Girardi has any sense in him, Granderson will be hitting second and Jeter will return to leading off in the near future. The ninth inning was interesting but the Yankees and Curtis Granderson ultimately failed to get the runners in from scoring position.
In what the Yankees hope will be a two game winning streak starting with tomorrow's game, CC Sabathia will take the ball for the Bombers. Anibal Sanchez will start for the Tigers. Hopefully this streak doesn't carry much longer and the Yankees return to playing crisp baseball.
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