The Yankees offense abandoned Andy Pettitte who pitched into the eighth inning to give way to David Robertson who allowed Pettitte's third base runner all afternoon to score the go-ahead run. I understood Girardi's thinking in having Pettitte pitch to one batter in the eighth to receive a standing ovation in his final start at Yankee Stadium in front of the Yankee faithful. After Robertson allowed the runner on second to score, Girardi called upon Rivera to pitch 1 2/3 innings in hopes that the Yankees offense would pick him up. The Yankees were not able to get a run across after beginning the eighth inning with runners on second and third and no outs. Two runners were gunned down at the plate and the Yankees went quietly in the ninth to Sergio Romo and the lowly San Francisco Giants. At least one Giants team was able to convert a win today. We won't get into the other Giants.
The offense is solely to blame in this offensive slump where the Yankees could not get runners home after getting men on base early in innings. The Yankees are now essentially out of the race after falling back to four games behind the Rays who beat the Orioles today in their finale. Even if the Yankees sweep Tampa Bay in their upcoming series they would still be one game back with three to play. The Yankees had to win today's game but like many times in must-win situations, they came up short and only by a base hit which has been the mantra to their season riddled with injuries and shortfalls.
No comments:
Post a Comment