Game 12 Wrap-Up: NYY 4 ARI 2

(Courtesy of the AP)

The Yankees returned to action last night after Monday's scheduled off-day, trying like so many others to get back a little sense of normality after the events that occurred in Boston.  There was a moment of silence scheduled before the game, a planned playing of "Sweet Caroline" at the end of the 3rd inning, and because of the off-day the Yanks were using last night's game as their way to honor Jackie Robinson, so there was a little more emotion to last night's game than a normal early-April interleague game against an NL West team would have.  And as they've been apt to do during this hot streak, the Yanks did just enough to get a W.

Game Notes:

- A shortage of scoring opportunities was no issue early.  The Yanks loaded the bases with 2 outs in the bottom of the 1st and came away with nothing, and did the same thing in the 2nd against a shaky Brandon McCarthy.

- Ivan Nova matched McCarthy nibble for nibble, and was the first to crack in the top of the 3rd when he gave up 2 runs after loading the bases with no outs.  He seemed to be struggling with his new sinker command and was inconsistent with his curveball, and Joe had the 'pen up when the trouble started.

- The lineup got another big opportunity in the bottom of the 4th after a pair of leadoff singles from the bottom of the order, and they finally cashed in when Robinson Cano CRUSHED a 3-run HR to give the Yanks a 3-2 lead.  McCarthy tried to sneak a 302 change by him and Robbie knew it was coming.

- Nova recovered and made it through 5 without further issue, and then handed the game over to the bullpen.    Boone Logan and Joba Chamberlain were up first and worked the 6th and 7th easily.

- Big insurance run tacked on in the bottom of the 7th after Kevin Youkilis singled and Travis Hafner doubled to lead off the inning.  It involved another bases loaded situation, and they didn't get as much as they probably wanted out of it, but Eduardo Nunez's sac fly was still a big run.

- D-Rob and Mo nailed down the 9th in typical "D-Rob and Mo" fashion and the Yankees scratched out another close win.


F*ck Yeahs:

- Cano: 2-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 3 RBI, 2 K.  His at-bat against McCarthy in the 4th was brilliant.  He was patient and laid off pitches on the corners to get a 3-0 count, then took a strike, fouled a pitch off, and just annihilated a 3-2 change over the middle of the plate.  He's still locked in, people.

- Bullpen: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.  Joe had all his horses available after Kuroda's strong start and the off-day and he used them.  Logan, Joba, D-Rob, Mo, and the door was shut.

Oh Nos:

- Brett Gardner: 1-5, 1 2B, 3 K, 2 LOB.  Tough night at the top of the order for Brett, who wasn't as much of a factor as you'd expect in a game where the Yanks put so many guys on base.

Next Up:

Game two of this series is tonight and it'll be a 2-lefty affair as CC Sabathia and Wade Miley take the hill.