CC Fails in Another Big Start

In Sabathia's third straight start, he has failed to give the Yankees what they needed, which is a comforting feeling that when they get a lead, it will be safe. In three straight starts, the lefty has had leads and has given them all back. That isn't something that an ace should be doing. Which leads to my next question: is Sabathia a fading ace? The lefty's velocity has been topping out at 93 MPH this season after throwing nothing short of 94+ MPH in his first three Yankee seasons. Also, he has been on the disabled list twice this season after not going on the disabled list since his Cleveland days. The Yankees have a lot invested in CC Sabathia over the next several seasons and with the way CC has pitched in his last three starts, it makes you wonder whether his best days are behind him. Lately, Sabathia has looked like a number three starter. The Yankees are paying him ace money to give up five runs in a game that is critical to the Yankees season. He has not been money in the bank this season at all.

The Yankee offense was able to manage two runs in the first two innings against Orioles starter Joe Saunders. After the first two innings, Saunders settled down and baffled the Yankees. Alex Rodriguez has been swinging a hot bat since coming off the disabled list and continued to display that tonight with another home run to deep center field to bring the Yankees to within two runs in the eighth inning. The Yankees began the ninth inning with the bases loaded and nobody out against closer Jim Johnson. After a ground ball to score one run, Mark Teixeira hit a ground ball that he was clearly safe on. The tying run should have scored but the Yankees end up losing. Jerry Meals blew the game for the Yankees, as did CC Sabathia.