Hey, if Jared Wright is going to only give us six innings or less every start, he better have more outings like last night’s against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Wright allowed only four hits, and struck out ten batters, while not yielding a single run to a potent D-Ray lineup. The Yankees only had three hits in the entire game, but they needed just one in this pitcher’s duel. This game went strictly by the book for the Yankees as Wright pitched six, then the bullpen did their part by pitching three innings, striking out four, and not allowing a single base runner. Mariano Rivera earned his 19th save of the season and lowered his ERA to 1.76. Even Kyle Farnsworth pitched pretty well for the Bombers!
Missing two of the biggest bats in their lineup, the Yankees need to manufacture more runs like they did tonight against Tampa Bay. Jason Giambi led off the fourth with a single to center field, one of the only three Yankee hits; Alex Rodriguez struck out, and then Jorge Posada moved Giambi over to second with a ground-out to third. Bernie Williams then stepped up and chopped a ball up the middle to center field, a RBI single that put the Yankees ahead 1-0 for good. Andy Phillips ended the inning with a strikeout, but the damage was done as the Yankees took a lead they would never surrender.
Jaret Wright pitched great for the Yankees, after surviving a rough first inning. Julio Lugo led off with a single to center-field for Tampa Bay; Carl Crawford followed with a deep double that Lugo misjudged as he stayed at second base. Crawford was visibly annoyed with Lugo’s error as Lugo was only able to advance to third base on the double. Rocco Baldelli followed with a line-out to Jeter; Aubrey Huff fouled out to A-Rod; Jorge Cantu was struck out swinging by Wright, ending the Devil Ray threat.
Tomorrow is the marquee matchup of the young guns for both of these teams: Kazmir vs. Wang. It’s going to be a good one!