The Yankees (29-20) beat the Indians (21-30) 10-5 for their third straight victory. Hideki Matsui led the way with three hits and Robinson Cano had a game-leading three RBI. It was the Yankees’ sixth consecutive game with 10 or more hits.
Quick ‘Cap:
The Yankees compiled a 7-0 lead in the first four innings backed by a five-run rally in the fourth. Both Derek Jeter and Cano contributed two-run singles. Jorge Posada and Nick Swisher hit solo shots in the second – the only two homers for the Yanks in the game.
Meanwhile, CC Sabathia was working on a no-no through four, but stumbled in the fifth. He allowed four singles and two runs in the inning. The two teams put up a run in the sixth and two in the ninth, making the final score 10-5.
Sabathia left after seven, but David Robertson pitched a perfect eighth. Jose Veras was awful in the ninth, but he wasn’t bad enough to blow a seven-run lead. Full box score here.
Thoughts:
A relatively easy game to listen to. The early lead was just too much for the Indians, especially facing the Yankees ace. The Yankees hitting just has been excellent recently, and ranks near the top in almost every category.
Noteworthy Performances:
- Cano was clutch again tonight and has been on an absolute tear: 18 for his last 44.
- Sabathia came up big again. He now has fife straight starts of allowing three earned runs or less in seven or more innings.
Up Next:
The Yankees can clinch the series in Sunday’s matinee game. It will be Phil Hughes (3-2, 5.16) against Carl Pavano (5-4, 5.50).
