Joba, bullpen roughed up by M’s in finale

The Yankees offense was shut down by a pitcher they had never faced before, and their pitching allowed 10 runs for the first time since Aug. 1. The Mariners (61-57) won the series finale 10-3 to avoid the sweep against the Yankees (74-44).

Quick ‘Cap:
After falling behind 2-1 in the third, Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer to center to give the Yankees their last lead of the game. Joba Chamberlain allowed two more runs in the fifth, and left the game after 90 pitches.

The normally dominant Alfredo Aceves had a good sixth, but an awful seventh. Chad Gaudin had to finish the inning for Ace, and he let all three inherited runners score. The Mariners added one more run in the eighth for the 10-3 victory. Full box score here.

Thoughts:
Let’s be honest, the Yanks have been on a torrid pace in August. Winning 13 of 15 games, still, is no easy task. The Mariners have good pitching, and they showed it today.

The lesser Athletics and the slumping Red Sox are still to come on this road trip. With a 7.5 game lead in the East, I’m still feeling pretty comfortable.

Line of the Day:
Derek Jeter: 3-for-4, RBI. His second hit, an RBI double, was his 2,674th of his career — the most ever by a shortstop in baseball history. Just another notch on Jeter’s long résumé for the Hall of Fame.

Up Next:
The Yanks commence a three-game set with the Athletics Monday night. I’ll post a series preview before game time.