Cano's Blast puts Yankees Past D'backs

Robinson Cano was the difference in tonight's game by going deep in the fourth inning off Arizona starter Brandon McCarthy. McCarthy struggled badly tonight, by falling behind on hitters and constantly leaving the bases loaded. Cano finally got to the starter after getting intentionally walked in his previous at bat to load the bases. Cano's blast was important in tonight's game not only because it was the difference in the game but because it shows what he means to the Yankees offense. Robinson Cano is the Yankees future, possessing skills that no other second basemen in Major League Baseball possess. The Yankees were not successful with the bases loaded tonight but were able to get the runs they needed in order to come out on top.

Ivan Nova was ineffective for the majority of his start, giving up seven hits and walking two batters in five innings of work. He threw 94 pitches in five innings, far from economical which was the reason for his early departure from the game. He improved in the fourth inning, but I agreed with Girardi's decision to get him out of the game after five innings. He was a time bomb that was moments away from blowing up. On a lighter side, the Yankees relievers were great tonight in four innings of work. Especially impressive was Boone Logan, who went 1.1 perfect innings for the Yankees. Logan has been highly inconsistent thus far this year and tonight's performance goes a long way for Girardi's trust in Logan. I notice that the manager sometimes lacks confidence in his only lefty in the bullpen, sometimes having the quick hook with him. Joba Chamberlain also showed improvement in getting his two outs in the seventh inning. It was only fitting that Mariano Rivera got to close out a game on a day where the Yankees were honoring Jackie Robinson. Even more fitting was Robinson Cano's blast being the difference in the game after being named after Robinson and wearing #24 in honor of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier.

CC Sabathia will get the start tomorrow against the Diamondbacks after pitching eight strong innings against the Orioles on Friday night. Pitching against the Yankees will be Wade Miley, who was impressive in his rookie year, finishing second in the Rookie of the Year balloting in 2012 to Bryce Harper.