Game 33 Wrap-Up: NYY 9 LAA 2

(Courtesy of the AP)

The Yankees have found some interesting ways to lose in the last week.  They almost added a new way to the list on Tuesday when they coughed up an 8th inning lead, but managed to eek out a win.  Last night, they got back to more traditional winning formulas: good pitching AAAAND good hitting.  Whatever they learned from facing Hector Santiago last time they definitely carried over to this game and they head into their travel day with 2 straight Ws and a much needed series win on the road.

Game Notes:

- The offense didn't waste any time, loading 'em up in the top of the 1st on a pair of walks and an error.  Mark Teixeira doubled in 2, Yangervis Solarte sac flied in 1, and Brett Gardner and Brian Roberts each singled in a run to make it 5-0 Yanks.

- A lot has been made of Derek Jeter's lack of power early on, and he silenced the critics on this night by hitting his first home run of the season to make it 6-0 in the 2nd.  Yeah, Jeets.

- Very strong start for Vidal Nuno, who needed one badly.  He gave up a run in a shaky 2nd inning, then retired the next 12 in order through the 6th.

- He was pulled with 1 out in the 7th and had he been at The Stadium, he would have left to a nice ovation.  Dellin Betances replaced him to finish the 7th and gave up a garbage run in the 8th.

- That run wouldn't be nearly enough to make a comeback, as the Yanks tacked on 3 more in the top half of the 8th.  John Ryan Murphy had the big blow with a 2-run single and that was more than enough cushion for Preston Claiborne in the 9th.


F*ck Yeahs:

- Nuno: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K.  This is the type of Nuno start I expected to see on his good days.  He worked quickly, he threw strikes (50 out of 82 pitches), and he generated a lot of weak contact by commanding his stuff.  Good on Joe for getting him out early and letting him finish on a high note too.

- Jeter: 2-5, 1 HR, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 K, 4 LOB.  Oh Captain, my Captain...

- Murphy: 2-4, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 K.  Seems like he does something productive at the plate every time he plays.

Oh Nos:

- Alfonso Soriano: 0-5, 3 K, 3 LOB.  The only starter to not record a hit or even get on base.  Down to .238/.272/.413 on the season.

Next Up:

Off-day today as the team heads to Milwaukee for a weekend series.  That'll get started on Friday night with Masahiro Tanaka facing Yovani Gallardo.