As we used to say as kids, close only counts in horseshoes and hand gernades. The Yankees almost swept the Devil Rays this weekend but came up just short yesterday. Last year, it means we get in as a Wild Card instead of the division winner. This year, things are different and every game counts.
On Friday, Jaret Wright was phenomonal. Six shutout innings with ten strikeouts and Proctor, Farnsworth and Rivera finished things out with three perfect innings to complete the shutout. Way back in the fourth inning, Bernie Williams singled home Jason Giambi, and that was the only run of the game. Seven hits total between the two teams, but a win is a win.
Saturday was more great pitching. Chien Ming Wang outdueled Scott Kazmir and gave up only one run on six hits through 8 1/3 innings. Johnny Damon tripled home two runs in the seventh and Melky Cabrera finished the game with three hits, one run and an RBI. Another nice game.
Then Sunday happened. Sigh. The Yankees jumped out to a 5-0 lead in a third inning that was capped off by Jason Giambi’s grand slam. Then the Devil Rays picked and picked and tied the game up in the seventh. Then in the seventh, Scott Proctor gave up the go ahead run, and just like that the Yankees let one slip through their fingers.
Tomorrow is the All Star game, which is mostly Yankees as it should be. Next up after the break will be a huge three game series against the Chicago White Sox. While the Red Sox are closer, it would be nice to make up some ground on the Wild Card six of things and right now we’re six games back of the White Sox. Should be some good baseball.
