The last time the Yankees didn’t make the playoffs where the season was actually finished was 1993. That’s a long time ago. And it’s the ninth straight time the Yankees have done it by winning the AL East. With the Braves finally falling short in their division, the Yankees now become the standard bearer for regular season success.
The Yankees did it by winning their series over the Blue Jays. Monday’s game was the first win, but it wasn’t without it’s drama. The Yankees scored three runs to give them a 7-3 lead in the ninth but the Blue Jays touched up Ron Villone and Octavio Dotel for three runs to make it a one run game. Jose Veras buckled down and got that final out though so the Yankees left with a win. Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter both hit two run homeruns in the 7-6 win.
Jeff Karstens threw a solid game on Tuesday. He gave up three runs on ten hits and three walks with one strikeout in 6 1/3 innings. Kyle Farnsworth pitched a perfect ninth to pick up the save. Jorge Posada, Bobby Abreu and Hideki Matsui all homered in the 6-3 win.
Sean Henn was bounced in the fourth inning yesterday in the lone Yankees loss of the series. The good news out of this one is the pen pitched really well. They pitched 4 1/3 innings of four hit shutout ball to close out the game. Unfortunately the Yankees couldn’t stage a comeback. Bernie Williams hit a solo shot in the 3-2 loss.
Next up is four against Tampa Bay. Hopefully the guys don’t enjoy Florida too much. Those playoffs start in a little over a week.
