The pesky Orioles made it tough on the Yankees tonight but the Yankees persevered and ended their night atop the standings in the American League East, alone. The beginning third of the game was scoreless and had a playoff feel to it because of the lack of scoring. Both pitchers were on their game and the offenses were looking foolish. However, in the fourth inning the Yankees were able to figure out Chen and put a five spot on the board much in part to Russell Martin's clutch three-run home run followed by Steve Pearce's wall scraper that just made it over. All home runs count the same. Matt Wieters hit a first row homer to left field last night and Steve Pearce did the same today. Both teams play on the same field, thus they both have the same offensive dimensions to work with. Phil Hughes looked great through the first five innings but ended up giving up a three-run home run to Adam Jones after an error at first base by Nick Swisher followed by a double by Nate McClouth. Turns out the Yankees would need all of the runs that were scored as the Orioles kept creeping closer and closer to the Yankees. The bullpen was able to escape trouble and ultimately got the job done.
Russell Martin looks like a completely different offensive player in the last week. He has brought his average over the .200 mark and has been constantly giving the Yankees clutch hits. He has had a bad luck season and just now, the tide is turning his way and all his work is beginning to pay off when it matters most. Alex Rodriguez looks like he never hit the disabled list with a single and a long home run to left-center field. If the Yankees are going to do well, Alex Rodriguez will have to continue hitting the way he has over the past two games.
Tomorrow, CC Sabathia will try to get back on a groove as he faces the Orioles. CC has fantastic numbers at Camden Yards and another Yankee win would give the Bombers breathing room again. Joe Saunders will pitch his for the Orioles. In his second Oriole start, Joe Saunders pitched six plus innings of scoreless baseball.
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