Yankees shut down by Kazmir

Rays starter Scott Kazmir silenced the Yankees bats to just one run through seven innings, as the Rays (55-46) beat up on CC Sabathia and went on to a 6-2 win over the Yankees (61-39).

Quick ‘Cap:
The Yankees fell behind early in the second, and then the Rays rallied for two more in the third. The Yanks picked up their only run off Kazmir in the fourth on Hideki Matsui’s RBI single, but Matsui was thrown out at second on the play. Evan Longoria homered in the fifth, and Sabathia was relieved with two outs in the sixth after surrendering two runs.

Mark Melancon relieved Sabathia, and mowed down the Rays for the rest of the game. This was his Melancon’s first appearance since July 10, but Peter Abraham reported that the layoff was for no apparent reason. Matsui doubled in the second run for the Yankees in the ninth, but a comeback was not in the cards. Full box score here.

Thoughts:
I was really disappointed with CC’s start. After watching A.J. Burnett make the Rays hitters look like fools the previous night, I was expecting no different from the big lefty. I hate bringing up the overpaid argument, but right now CC is not earning his contract. If he’s a second half pitcher, when is he going to start pitching like an ace?

As mentioned, the only bright spots of the game were Matsui and Melancon. Melancon is regarded very highly around the organization, and probably has the most potential of the borderline young relievers right now.

Line of the Night:
Matsui: 2-for-4, 2 RBI. He was the only lefty for the Yanks to have a hit, let alone two.

Up Next:
For the first time since June 25, the Yankees will play in a decisive third game of a series. The 7:08 p.m. start time features two of the premier young-guns in the American League: Joba Chamberlain (6-2, 3.86) and Matt Garza (7-7, 3.68).