Game 91 Wrap-Up: NYY 8 KC 1

(Courtesy of the AP)

As JeterWatch 2013 heated up yesterday, the healthy Yankee players took the field attempting to break another embarrassing losing streak.  3 runs in 3 games is pathetic at every level of baseball, so to shake things up and try to get the offense going again Joe went with ... the exact same lineup as Tuesday night.  Hey, whatever.  He's the guy getting paid to make those calls.  Ivan Nova was back on the hill after his stellar complete game against Baltimore and he turned in another beauty.  Even better, Joe's lack of moves worked and he actually got some run support.

Game Notes:

- The lineup got its usual weak 1 run in the bottom of the first on a walk, a single, a groundout, and a wild pitch.  It was clear Wade Davis didn't have his A-game; what wasn't clear was if the Yankees could finally take advantage of that.

- Robinson Cano didn't wait long to answer that question in the bottom of the 3rd, crushing a 3-run HR to dead center field to put the Yanks up 4-0.  Davis left a 1-1 curveball up and it looked like Cano was looking offspeed all the way.

- Nova allowed a pair of 2-out singles in the 1st, then promptly retired 12 in a row into the 5th.  He was working his fastball again as his primary out pitch and located his 2-seamer well to get GB outs.

- It was surprising to see Davis left in after loading the bases to start the 6th, but he was allowed to pitch to Lyle Overbay and that was the nail in his coffin.  Overbay muscled a fastball over the fence in left field for a grand slam and a comfortable 8-0 lead.

- Nova escaped a bases loaded situation in the 5th and made the lead stand up strong through his innings.  He gave up a meaningless run in the 8th on a 2-out walk and double by Eric Hosmer.

- Joba came in to finish it up in the 9th and handle the only situation he appears capable of these days- blowouts.  That should build some trade value.  After scoring 3 in 3 games, the Yanks got at least that in 2 innings last night for a much-needed victory.

F*ck Yeahs:

- Cano: 3-4, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 LOB.  Nice night at the plate for Robbie and a reminder that he's still feeling plenty good at the plate.

- Nova: 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K.  A long while back Nova talked about wanting to get back to more groundball outs.  He had an even dozen last night.  Second straight great start for Ivan, who really looks like he's figured something out.

Oh Nos:

- Injuries: Both Travis Hafner and Brett Gardner left the game early last night with what's being called contusions on their feet.  X-rays were negative and both are listed as day-to-day.  The Yanks can't afford injuries at all right now.  Hopefully both guys are OK.

Next Up:

Chance to split tonight, which would be a great save after the bad first 2 games.  Andy Pettitte and Yankee punching bag Ervin Santana are the starting pitchers.