Andy Pettitte rebounded very well from his less than average first start to pitch a beautiful game today, and help the Yankees come away from Kansas City with a much needed win, having Boston next on their schedule, in Boston. The Royals couldn’t get anything going as they were held to only 1 run, which was scored way back in the first inning off of a double hit by Jose Guillen. Other than that it was lights out today from that pitching staff. Pettitte (1-1) threw 92 pitches (58 for strikes), went 6 and 2/3, only gave up the one run, and walked two, for his first win of the year.
Melky Cabrera brought the kindling for the fire that was about to be lite by these Yankee bats, with a home run in the third inning off of Royals pitcher John Bale. The offense did not stop there. They would get 1 more in the forth, 2 in the fifth, and most impressively, 2 in the ninth.
On of the bigger hurdles that these Yankees have had a hard time getting over, is runners in scoring position, 2-out. The two runs in the ninth came from Rodriguez and Posada, who both hit home runs, both with 2 out, off of reliever Hideo Nomo. Along with a couple of adjustments to the lineup, due to Jeter’s absence, and some solid hitting, the Yankees seem to have found some hitting just at the right time. Boston is next, at The Green Monster.
With only 25 runs scored so far this year, in the first 9 games, is the lowest total since the 1989 season. So it was nice to see these bats start to warm up. I mean the talent is unquestionably there, it is just a matter of getting things started. Sometimes it can be harder than you think. Just ask the Detroit Tigers.
With this win the Yankees are back at .500 (5-5), and leave Kansas City glad to get one from this tough, young Royals team. Next up is Boston. The enemy.
