Alex Rodriguez was perfect from the plate, and Phil Hughes was near perfect from the mound for the Yankees (26-19) in an 11-1 thumping of the Rangers (26-18).
Quick ‘Cap:
Every starter for the Yankees had at least one hit, but A-Rod stole the show with a 5-for-5 game including two doubles and four RBI. The Yankees scored two in the first, but broke the game open with a four-run rally in the third. After Rodriguez’s first double, Robinson Cano cracked a two-run triple and he later scored on a groundout.
Ironically, the only three hits off Hughes were doubles. He tossed eight shutout innings and retired the last nine batters he faced. Remember, the last time he faced the Rangers was his first start of his career back in 2007. A game that he threw 6 1/3 no-hit innings before leaving with a leg injury.
The Yankees made it 7-0 in the fifth when Nick Swisher singled in a run, and then tacked on three more in the sixth. A-Rod’s second double was good for two more RBI. The Rangers scored their only run in the ninth on a solo homer. Surprisingly, none of the Yankees’ 11 runs came on a homer. Full box score here.
Thoughts:
Well, that was an unexpected way to win. Hughes may have solidified his spot in the rotation for the remainder of the season with this gem, or maybe he just loves pitching in Arlington, Tex. I’m glad A-Rod finally got a few hits that weren’t homers…
Noteworthy Performances:
- Rodriguez: 5-for-5, 2 R, 4 RBI
- Hughes: 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 6 K
Nice.
Up Next:
Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.70) can win the series for the Yankees tomorrow night, but Kevin Millwood (4-4, 3.12) will try to prevent that.
