Friday, May 16, 2014

Game 40 Wrap-Up: NYY 1 NYM 0

(Safe.  Courtesy of Getty Images)

After Rafael Montero made his Major League debut on Wednesday night, the Yankees decided they wanted to join that fun.  The Mets weren't done with it either.  Last night's Subway Series finale featured a pair of starting pitchers making their first MLB appearances, Jacob deGrom for the Mets and Chase Whitley for the Yankees.  Recently converted from a reliever to a starter in Triple-A, Whitley was forced into action by CC's knee injury and had a grand opportunity in front of himself to earn a permanent role.

Game Notes:

- The offense could never quite get its footing early on.  A Jacoby Ellsbury double was wasted in the top of the 1st, a Yangervis Solarte GIDP spoiled a leadoff single in the 2nd, and Derek Jeter lined into another inning-ending DP with 2 on in the 3rd.

- He had to work around runners on the corners with 1 out in the 3rd, but it was a pretty clean start for Whitley.  He didn't give up a run or a walk through 4 and he even tried to help his own cause with a hit.

- Whitley walked 2 with 1 out in the 5th and Joe must have seen something he didn't like in it because he went to his bullpen after a sac bunt.  Dellin Betances got the call and he delivered with 4 consecutive outs, the last 3 on strikeout of the 6th inning.

- While Whitley was leaving early, deGrom was settling down, going deeper, and manhandling the Yankee lineup.  He struck out 6 in 6 scoreless inning and didn't give up another hit after the 3rd.

- When he finally did give one up, it was a big one.  With 2 outs in the 7th, Alfonso Soriano lined a double to deep center and Brian McCann came all the way around from first to score and put the Yanks on the board.

- It was all they would get and the 'pen made it stand up.  Betances K'd the side again in the 7th, Adam Warren got 2 outs in the 8th, and Joe used D-Rob for the perfect 4-out save.

F*ck Yeahs:

- Betances: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K.  27 pitches, 20 strikes, 8 swinging strikes, only 1 ball put in play.  Pure, unadulterated filth.

- Whitley: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K.  It ended prematurely, but I thought Whitley did a damn good job in his debut.  If Joe didn't have a fully staffed bullpen at his disposal or if his offense would have scored him a few runs, I think he would have let Whitley finish the inning.

- Soriano: 2-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 K, 1 LOB.  Had the game-winning game.  That's big in a 1-run game.

Oh Nos:

- Solarte: 0-4, 1 K, 2 GIDP, 4 LOB.  He was due for a bad game eventually.  No big deal.

- Jeter: 0-4, 4 LOB.  Tired-looking night for Jeter at the plate and in the field.

Next Up:

The Yanks salvage the Subway Series and head back across town on the cusp of a new winning streak.  The Pittsburgh Pirates arrive today for a weekend series.  Edinson Volquez and David Phelps are the scheduled starters for tonight's opener.

No comments: