Archer Dominates Yankees

The story, aside from the Yankees not being able to score any runs, was Chris Archer. The rookie right hander blanked the Yankees through the entire game as he was able to go the distance and shut out the Yankees, allowing just two hits and striking out six batters. He was not able to strike many guys out but relied on the movement of his slider to stifle the Yankee bats. The bats didn't need much of his help as they have struggled throughout the entire season. Today's shutout is the eighth time this season that the Yankees have been blanked in a game. The only two hits that Archer allowed were to Lyle Overbay to break up his no-hitter in the fifth inning. Brett Gardner was the only other batter who connected on a pitch thrown by Chris Archer. He doubled with two outs and Ichiro failed to drive him home as he struck out of a check-swing.

It's a shame that the Yankees couldn't score for Ivan Nova who continues to deal. Nova went seven innings, allowing just one run on an RBI single to Kelly Johnson in the sixth inning. Nova walked three batters and struck out eight in seven innings of work but it wasn't enough as the Yankees couldn't back his effort, much like they have been unable to do for any pitcher. Nova's record falls to 4-4 even though it should be 6-2 after the Yankees failed to score for him in two of his recent starts. Nova was impressive today and got out of trouble in innings where the Rays threatened. What was especially impressive about Nova was his fourth inning. After allowing a leadoff double to Wil Myers followed by a walk to James Loney, Nova struck out three straight straight batters to get out of the inning unscathed. Despite not earning a win today Nova's ERA has lowered from 3.66 to 3.41. If this is the Ivan Nova that the Yankees will get for years to come, I like their chances to win with him. He is the real deal and when he struggles it frustrates you because you know that he has so much potential.

Tomorrow will be a day to celebrate for the Yankees as Hideki Matsui will make his return to the Yankees on a one-day minor league deal. The Yankees will be giving out his bobble head and Matsui should return to a thundering ovation. Maybe Matsui can inject some life into the offense... Thirteen game winner Matt Moore will pitch against the Yankees tomorrow afternoon and Derek Jeter should be in the lineup as Girardi said Derek went through his simulated game okay. Phil Hughes who has been pitching well lately, will make the start and hope to avoid his tenth loss of the season against only four wins.