The Yankees took two of three this weekend at Toronto and in the process, they picked up a game on the Red Sox who dropped two of three to the Twins. It’s looking the like the easiest route (is their such a thing) to the playoffs will be through the AL East, so keeping pace is imperative. We still have six games against Boston, and the division winner could be the team that walks away with those games.
On Friday, Aaron Small got things started by improving to 3-0. In what was his best start to date, Small gave up only one run on seven hits through 6 2/3 innings. The lack of strikeouts is of some concern (six through 20 innings) but as long as he keeps on winning, we’ll take it.
Gary “The Self Proclaimed Man” Sheffield hit his 22nd homer of the season to drive in two runs. His RBI total is now up to 83.
Yesterday, the Big Unit was bounced around. Randy Johnson got roughed up by the Jays’ hitters and had only four innings of record. Six runs, ten hits and only three strikeouts. Sheffield hit his 23rd homer and Derek Jeter went three for five with two RBIs.
The rubber game went much better. Al Leiter, aka Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde, was pretty good. He walked four batters and gave up four hits through 5 2/3, but more importantly, none of them scored. In the meantime, Alex Rodriguez homered and Jason “Player of the Month” Giambi drove in two.
As it stands, we’re 3 1/2 games back of the Red Sox and 3 1/2 ahead of the Twins. The White Sox come to town to play three games so that won’t be an easy series. Over in the Wild Card standings, we’re now four back of both the Angels and A’s (only one is of concern, the other will win the AL West). The Indians are right on our tale but we’re two losses better.
Bottom line, we need to win. Duh.
