After being shut down last night by a no-name pitcher, the Yankees teed off against Johan Santana – one of the top three pitchers in baseball. By the time it was over, the Yankees (36-27) had embarrassed the Mets (32-29) 15-0.
Quick ‘Cap:
The Yanks first got to Santana in the second inning, when three straight singles from Francisco Cervelli, Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon scored four runs. But the Yanks blew the game open in the fourth.
Santana didn’t record an out in the inning, and was responsible for five of the nine runs scored. Both Hideki Matsui and Robinson Cano hit two-run homers, and Melky Cabrera hit two doubles in the frame.
Meanwhile, A.J. Burnett bounced back from an ugly start against the Red Sox, tossing seven shutout innings. David Robertson and Phil Hughes finished the game with no trouble. Full box score here.
Thoughts:
It was completely unexpected, but it was beautiful to see hits coming from top to bottom. You have to feel a little bad for the Mets. Luis Castillo made one of the worst errors the game has seen in a long time in the first game, their best pitcher was demolished in this one, and the team has been decimated by injuries over the past month.
It was also nice to see Josh Beckett blow a four-run lead over the Phillies. Now the Yankees are just two games back in the East.
Noteworthy Performances:
- Jeter had a perfect day with four singles, two runs and two RBI.
- Cano had eight total bases on the day, adding two doubles to his homer.
- Burnett used a nasty slider at the knees all game in a strong outing. He struck out eight, walked four and allowed four hits.
Up Next:
The Yankees have their work cut out for them in their next series starting on Tuesday. They play the Nationals, who hold the worst record in the bigs by far. The Yanks are showing no mercy by sending out CC Sabathia (5-4, 3.68) to face Shairon Martis (5-1, 5.04).
