Yankees Back to Winning Ways

The formula is simple: pitching and offense, at least that was applicable to tonight's game. Andy Pettitte turned in another gem, tossing 7.1 innings of three run ball. His only major blemish was courtesy of a Jose Bautista two-rush home run. Otherwise Pettitte was his vintage self, getting key double plays and notching those key strikeouts. Andy Pettitte is pitching like he is 30, not 40 and his consistent performances show why he is a valuable asset to the Yankees, even at an advanced age.

The Yankees offense was able to come alive tonight against Brandon Morrow and Brett Cecil after not being able to bring the winning run home in last night's game. Travis Hafner turned in another great performance by collecting his fifth home run of the season and third double of the year, driving in two in the process. Ichiro is beginning to turn it on, hitting two doubles and putting together good at bats. Vernon Wells reminded the Blue Jays of who they traded when he belted his fourth home run of the season deep into the left field stands. Without Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira this Yankees team is finding ways to win consistently and also doing so without relying on the long ball. The Yankees will always be a power hitting team but it's important that they do not go out of their way to hit a five-run home run every time, which is why they lost yesterday's game in extra innings.

The Yankees continue to rebound from bad losses to put together great wins on nights following a loss. Hiroki Kuroda will try to keep it going tomorrow night against Mark Buehrle.