A-Rod's Historic Slam Leads Yankees Past Giants

The game was tied until the seventh inning. Tim Lincecum had already been out of the game and former Yankee George Kontos was pitching to Alex Rodriguez with the bases loaded. A-Rod made him pay with a go-ahead grand slam, the 24rd of his career. The grand slam put Rodriguez past Lou Gehrig as the all-time career grand slam leader. The Iron Horse had 23 four-RBI homers in his career. Alex Rodriguez could certainly be tied to Gehrig in terms of his ability but the PED's took away from any career accolades that A-Rod will amass before he ultimately calls it quits. The grand slam gave the Yankees a comfortable lead but did it come too late? The Yankees are three games out of the wildcard with eight games to play. Some of the teams in front of them have to go on incredible losing streaks and the Yankees have to win seven- if not all eight of their remaining games. It is an incredibly high mountain to climb but the Yankees have surprised us all time and time again this year.

CC Sabathia pitched very well, granted it was against a weak hitting lineup. The lefty went seven strong innings, allowing only one run on seven hits and three walks. Sabathia allowed too many men to reach base in his start, but I'll take that over the alternative CC Sabathia start in 2013. As long as the runners don't score Sabathia will always remain the Yankees strongest pitcher because of what he has done in the past.

With every game a "must-win" the Yankees will send Ivan Nova to the mound tomorrow afternoon against the weak hitting Giants. Ryan Vogelsong, who has struggled this year will get the ball against the Yankees. The Giants are trying to play the role of "spoiler" to the best of their abilities but it did not detour the Yankees from winning the first game of the series. The Yankees must sweep if they want to remain in the postseason conversation. Making it in would be a great way to thank Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte. I wouldn't want to waste those two weapons in the postseason given their career numbers when the calendar flips to October.