Yankees Lose a Tough One in Extras

For all of the hating that I've done on Phil Hughes this year, he came up big tonight despite not factoring into the decision. Hughes allowed just two runs on two solo home runs in seven innings of work. Phil Hughes struck out six hitters and didn't hand out any walks. I would take this performance from Hughes every time out. A large part in why the Yankees could not score runs early was because of Arizona's starter, Patrick Corbin who was absolutely dealing through seven innings of his own. The only run that the D'backs starter allowed was on a hanging slider to Robinson Cano in the sixth inning when Cano smashed the pitch into the Yankees bullpen.

The Yankees didn't have many opportunities in tonight's game to muster any offense together. They had to settle for Cano's solo home run in the close game against the starter.. The Yankees were able to load the bases in the eighth inning with one out for Robinson Cano and Kevin Youkilis who both struck out swinging. Cano's strikeout was controversial because Cano was hit by the pitch in the foot but made a half-swing through the pitch, which supersedes the hit by pitch. Youkilis left the bases loaded with a swinging K in the eighth before some ninth inning fireworks by Francisco Cervelli when he belted a game tying home run against D'backs closer JJ Putz. Ultimately, the Yankees lost the game in the twelfth inning after loading the bases and allowing consecutive hits to give Arizona a four run lead.

The Yankees are typically most vulnerable against lefty starters, who have dominated them over their last three starts despite the Yankees winning two of those games. Lefty Chen only gave up three runs to the Yankees on Sunday night and Miley was excellent agains
t the Bombers last night until the seventh inning. The offense showed their weaknesses tonight against a left handed starter who over-matched the Yankee bats.

The Yankees have still done well, winning the series by taking two of three games before heading into Toronto for a three game set against the Blue Jays. Andy Pettitte will make his third start of the season after getting pushed back with back spasms. Hard throwing Brandon Morrow will match up against the southpaw. Morrow has had success in his career against the Yankees, and coming off a bad loss the Yankees will be yearning to get back into the win column.