Juan Miranda eats a pie, Yanks do it again

September call-up Juan Miranda grounded a ball off Kyle Farnsworth’s leg to drive in the game-winning run with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning. The 4-3 win over the Royals (64-94) was No. 102 for the Yankees (102-56).

Quick ‘Cap:
The Yanks couldn’t solve Royals’ starter Anthony Lerew until Mark Teixeira blasted his 39th bomb of the season in the sixth inning. That tied the score at 1, but Phil Coke’s fielding circus in the seventh allowed two unearned runs. Nick Swisher cut the deficit in half with a solo shot in the bottom of the seventh to begin breathing down the Royals’ necks.

Farnsworth came on to close out the game and struck out Brett Gardner to start the inning. Then singles from Francisco Cervelli and Eric Hinske set up Robinson Cano’s game-tying sacrifice fly. Then Hinske advanced to third when he stole second and catcher John Buck’s throw went into center field. Farnsworth intentionally walked the struggling Johnny Damon to get to Miranda, and the rest is history.

A.J. Burnett pitched his third straight strong outing, but didn’t get a win to show for it this time. David Robertson and Brian Bruney pitched the final two innings, and Bruney improved to 5-0 with the win. Full box score here.

Thoughts:
It was the 15th time this season the Yankees have walked off with a win. It’s truly incredible. This team’s balance is really being exhibited down the stretch here. With the division already wrapped up, most of my attention has been focused on the Twins and Tigers.

Line of the Night:
Burnett: 6-1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, 3 BB, 8 K. I’m content with that if he can do it in the postseason.

Up Next:
The Yanks could make it eight straight with a win on Wednesday. Joba Chamberlain (9-6, 4.72) toes the rubber against Robinson Tejada (4-2, 3.41).