Teixeira’s Tex message beats M’s

Two first-inning runs for the Mariners (60-56) was their only spot on the scoreboard against Andy Pettitte. The Yankees (73-43) tied it up in the fifth, and then won it in the ninth on Mark Teixeira’s leadoff jack for a 4-2 win.

Quick ‘Cap:
Pettitte allowed three straight hits in the first inning, and struggled to get the top three hitters out again in the third. However, he battled, as usual, and ended up with a season-high 10 strikeouts over six innings.

The Yankees worked a run in the second on Jerry Hairston Jr.’s groundout, and then the Yankees tied it in the fifth on Derek Jeter’s single. Teixeira finally broke the tie in Mark Lowe’s second inning of work in the ninth. Nick Swisher added an RBI single for good measure, but Mariano Rivera didn’t need the insurance, as he did his thing in the ninth. Full box score here.

Thoughts:
I thought this was headed for extras, but Tex decided to hammer in the nail on his MVP candidacy. It was his 30th homer of the year, only trailing Carlos Pena by one for the league lead.

Nice to see Pettitte racking up the Ks. He, along with most of the staff, has been dealing since the break.

Line of the Night:
Hairston: 1-for-4, RBI. He is batting a cool .364 for the Yanks with five runs and six RBI. Not bad for a utility man. Not at all.

Up Next:
The Yankees can win another series with a win Saturday night. Sergio Mitre (1-1, 7.04) will face Luke French (2-2, 4.31).