Phil Hughes was highly inefficient today against the Tigers potent bats. Hughes lasted just 4.1 innings due to a high pitch count and in the process, surrendered two home runs; one to Miguel Cabrera and one to Austin Jackson. Jackson and Cabrera were the reason that the Yankees lost this game, because the Yankee pitching couldn't keep their bats at bay. After Hughes left the game with one out in the fifth inning Preston Claiborne came in to mop up Hughes' mess and allowed five runs to score. The only Yankee pitcher who didn't allow a run was Adam Warren who pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game on the Yankees pitching end. Phil Hughes' ERA now stands at a lofty 4.99 and his value is going further and further down the tubes. However, Hughes' numbers away from Yankee Stadium are markedly better than when he pitches in front of the home crowd in home run friendly Yankee Stadium. The Tigers made the Yankees pitching staff look like they were middle relievers in the minor leagues. They pounded out nine runs and managed to hit three balls out of the ballpark.
There was no Yankee offense outside of Lyle Overbay. Overbay had all three RBI in the game on a two-run home run and later on an RBI single. Besides Overbay the Yankees lineup couldn't string together a couple of base hits if their lives depended on it. This is nothing new for the Yankees, who slip to 58-57 which is not a playoff team. The Yankees fans who still believe are falling on deaf ears because there is absolutely no way that this is a postseason worthy team.
Tomorrow afternoon the Yankees still have a chance to win their first series in over a month as they send the struggling Pettitte to the mound against the always dangerous Justin Verlander. Pettitte is due for a quality start and with the Yankees getting embarrassed this afternoon, I expect a strong showing from this offense off Verlander, who they have hit well in the past.
No comments:
Post a Comment