The Yankees (45-32) used three homers and solid starting pitching to beat the Mariners (39-38) 4-2 last night.
Quick ‘Cap:
Johnny Damon struck first with a two-out homer to right — his 15th homer of the season (11 at home). The Mariners tied it up in the fourth on a groundball to first after Jose Lopez led off the inning with a double. Melky Cabrera regained the lead for the Yanks with a solo shot to left in the fifth.
Andy Pettitte’s only blemish in seven quality innings of work was a first-pitch fastball to Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey didn’t miss it, and the game was tied at two going into the bottom of the sixth.
After a sharp, leadoff single from Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez drilled the game-winner just left of center for a two-run homer. Alfredo Aceves got the first batter out in the eighth, and then Phil Coke got the next two. Mariano Rivera did his thing in the ninth for the 20th time this season, and his third day in a row. Full box score here.
Thoughts:
I’d say that is a pretty routine home victory — lots of homers and quality pitching. The only difference was the quickness of the game, as it took just 2:17 to beat the Mariners.
Line of the Night:
Rodriguez: 2-for-4, R, 2 RBI. It was his 13th homer of the season (10 at home). He’s now batting .239 on the year.
Up Next:
The Yankees will look for the sweep and their eighth straight tonight. They’ll send out their ace CC Sabathia (7-4, 3.55) to face Jason Vargas (3-3, 3.79).
