The Yankees had their chance to win the game in the 10th, but they failed to do so and Brett Tomko blew the game in the 11th. A two-out RBI double by Carlos Ruiz gave the Phillies (24-18) a 4-3 win over the Yanks (25-19).
Quick ‘Cap:
The Phils touched up CC Sabathia for two runs in the third inning with two out, and the Yankees responded with one run off Cole Hamels. Johnny Damon doubled in Francisco Cervelli, but then Damon was gunned out at home trying to score on a Mark Teixeira single.
The hottest hitter for the Phillies, Raul Ibanez, hit an RBI double in the sixth to put his team up two. The Yanks came right back, again, when Teixeira led off the sixth with a homer to left – his 13th on the year.
The Yankees spoiled another save opportunity for Brad Lidge, but they could only manage the one run needed to tie the game. Melky Cabrera drove him Ramiro Pena, who was pinch running for Robinson Cano.
Teixeira found himself in a pivotal spot in the game in the bottom of the tenth, but he did not prevail. With first and second, nobody out, he grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. After Alex Rodriguez was intentionally walked, Pena flew out to center, stranding Derek Jeter at third. Ruiz delivered the game-winning hit in the tenth off Brett Tomko, who relieved Mariano Rivera.
Thoughts:
The Yanks had their chance, but blew it. Simple as that. When I was listening to the situation they had in the tenth, I immediately thought of a sac-bunt and a fly ball that would win them the game. I understand it sounds stupid to bunt Teixeira, but it could have won them the game.
Noteworthy Performances:
- Jeter had his first three-hit game in May, and he raised his average to .287.
- Cabrera also had three hits, and he is now up to .328.
- Sabathia gave up three runs over eight innings – his fourth straight outing that was seven innings or longer.
Up Next:
The loss concluded the Yankees’ 10-game homestand, in which they went 8-2, and now they will travel to Arlington, Tex. for a three-game series with the 1st place Rangers. Phil Hughes (2-2, 7.06) will face Matt Harrison (4-3, 4.71)in the series opener.
