The Red Sox (35-24) scored early and often and were able to hold off the Yankees’ (34-25) slow comeback to reclaim sole possession of first place in the East. The Yankees have started off 0-7 against their rivals for the first time since 1912.
Quick ‘Cap:
For the second game in a row, the Yankees starter did not make it through the third inning, and the Red Sox jumped out to an early lead again. Chien-Ming Wang was ineffective because he left his sinker up in the zone too much, and the Red Sox capitalized while they could. Jason Bay had an RBI single in the first, but Jorge Posada quickly tied it back up with a leadoff homer in the second. In the bottom of the inning, Wang allowed a single and back-to-back doubles, making the score 3-1.
Mike Lowell made it 4-1 on a solo shot in the third, and Phil Hughes took over with two out in the inning. The Yankees managed a run in the fourth, but the Red Sox came up with what turned out to be the deciding blow in the bottom half. After J.D. Drew tripled high off the Monster, Kevin Youkilis corked a two-run shot that landed in the Red Sox bullpen.
Mark Teixeira came around to score after his leadoff double in the fifth—his second of the game—and then the Johnny Damon and Teixeira hit back-to-back jacks to start the seventh. The Yanks had chances to tie it with a runner on second with one out in the eighth and ninth innings, but Hideki Okajima and Jonathon Papelbon escaped both jams, respectively. Full box score here.
Thoughts:
The main reason for the Yankees’ struggles so far is their starting pitching. In the seven losses, the Yankees starters have a combined 7.01 ERA. It’s as simple as that.
The Yankees did outhit the Red Sox (11-9), but they lost because their hits were scattered and the Red Sox’ came in bunches.
Noteworthy Performances:
- Teixeira went 4-for-5 with two doubles and a homer (a triple shy of the cycle).
Up Next:
The Yankees need a strong start from CC Sabathia (5-3, 3.56) Thursday night if they want to have a chance to beat the Red Sox, who are sending out Brad Penny (5-2, 5.85) to oppose the big fella.
