The Yankees (37-28) had another comeback in order in the bottom of the ninth, but it ended with a double play and the Nationals (17-46) evened the series with a 3-2 win.
Quick ‘Cap:
The spotlight was on Chien-Ming Wang from the get-go, and he wasn’t bad at all. He retired all but two batters through 3-1/3, and then Adam Dunn cranked a good sinker for a homer to right. In the fifth, the Nationals caught a couple of breaks, and Nick Johnson took advantage with a two-run triple. Ramiro Pena misplayed a great throw from Jorge Posada, and Alex Rodriguez made a great play at third but Christian Guzman was called safe at first.
Robinson Cano broke up John Lannan’s no-hitter in the fifth inning with a solo shot, but that didn’t bother Lannan. He pitched all the way to the ninth only allowing two hits. Johnny Damon got the third hit off him—his second of the game—and it landed in the first row in right field making it a one run game.
The Yankees had first and third one out for Cano after Brett Gardner stole two bases and A-Rod walked. On the ninth pitch of the at bat, Cano hit a sharp grounder right at the shortstop and that was it. Full box score here.
Thoughts:
It sucks to lose without your captain. Derek Jeter sat out his fourth game of the season, but said he will be ok for Thursday’s rubber match. Poor Cano. He carried the Yankees yesterday, and almost did it again tonight.
As for Wang, I highly doubt he loses his next start. In my mind, the two fifth inning runs were unearned, and he only was up to 91 pitches. I’ll keep watch on that news until the decision is made.
UPDATE: Via Bryan Hoch’s twitter:
Looks like Chien-Ming Wang will get at least one more start in the Yankees rotation.
Noteworthy Performances:
- Damon had two of the four hits for the Yanks — both extra base hits.
- The bullpen did their job kept the Yankees in the game. Phil Hughes tossed two scoreless, Phil Coke threw 1-1/3 and Alfredo Aceves recorded the final two outs.
Up Next:
The third and final game of the series is set for Thursday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Craig Stammen (0-2, 5.86) will face Joba Chamberlain (3-1, 3.84).
