Game 33 Wrap-Up: NYY 3 COL 1

("Way to be, Nixey."  Courtesy of Getty Images)

The forecast didn't  look promising for yesterday afternoon's series finale, which didn't help the Yankees' plans to travel to Kansas City for their 3-game weekend set.  They were in good shape for the game with CC Sabathia on the mound, and couldn't afford another rain-out and future make-up game scheduled with Monday's doubleheader already on the horizon.  The weather didn't cooperate enough to allow CC to finish up as strongly as he started, but they did get the game in and the Yanks squeaked out another close win to take the series and rise to the top of the division.

Game Notes:

- As he did the day before, Vernon Wells got the scoring started in the top of the 1st with a 2-out RBI single.  It was a well-manufactured run- Jayson Nix walked, moved to second on a Cano groundout, came around to score on the single.

- CC struggled out of the gate, giving that run back on a leadoff walk, single, and sac fly in the bottom of the 1st.  He then proceeded to sit down the next 10 batters he faced through the 4th inning.

- The offense manufactured another run for him in the top of the 4th on a Chris Nelson double, sac to third, and sac fly by Chris Stewart, and then the rains came.  2 hours and 7 minutes of delay, too much to bring CC back despite how well he was pitching, and the game went to the bullpens.

- Rockies reliever Adam Ottavino was rudely welcomed into the game in the 5th by Robinson Cano, who crushed a hanging 2-0 slider into right for a solo HR and big insurance run.

- It was all hands on deck behind CC and everybody pitched in to hold the lead.  1.2 innings from Adam Warren, a batter from Boone Logan, another scoreless appearance from Preston Claiborne, and the D-Rob and Mo show for the final 2.  Just enough offense, good starting pitching, lockdown bullpen.  That's the Yankee Way right now.

F*ck Yeahs:

- Cano: 2-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 LOB.  After a couple of quiet games, he comes through last night with a multi-hit game, none bigger than his eventual game-winning solo shot in the 5th.  Welcome back, Robbie, and congrats on the 1,500 hits.  Anytime you're on a Yankee career accomplishment list with Gehrig and Mantle, you're doing something right.

- D-Rob & Mo: Combined 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K.  Things got a little hairy after the delay with Warren and Claiborne, but as usual the late-game duo was there to stabilize things and secure another 1-run win.  Definitely worthy of more coverage than they've gotten so far this season.

Oh Nos:

- Ben Francisco: 0-3, 1 K, 3 LOB.  Just get out.  Get off this fucking team.

Next Up:

They got into their hotel tonight much later than they wanted to, but I think the Yanks will take it leaving with another series win and the AL East lead.  Not much rest as they'll turn around tonight in KC.  The red hot Phil Hughes takes the bump against Wade Davis.