On a day that Mike Mussina wishes he could get back, the Yankees lose the second game of a 2-game series by a score of 7-5. It was only the 3rd inning when Mussina exited the game, having given up 7 hits, and 5 runs (all earned), including two homers to Manny Ramirez, who seems to have Mussina’s number as of late. According to MLB.com, the last four at-bats for Manny against Mussina, going back to their meeting in Fenway, is quite impressive for all you Red Sox fans. It looks like this; solo homer, two-run double, solo homer, two-run homer!
As you can imagine that opened the door for the critics to question why Mussina even pitched to him at all. But every at-bat is different, and as much as the Yankees would like to be able to pitch around him, it doesn’t always work out that way. And when the pitching is what it was today (not so good, bad location and command) Manny will do what he did today to any pitcher having that type of day…go yard.
This lose snapped a 3 game win streak, and turned their record to 9-8 on the season, just floating above .500.
Farnsworth pitched the 7th inning, and also faced Manny. On a pitch that Farnsworth said “slipped,” he sent a high 90’s fastball screaming past the back of Ramirez’s head, prompting the Umpire to warn both benches. I can’t say I blame him for buzzing Manny at the plate, but throwing behind the batter, and head height, I wonder if further action is going to be taken by either Major League Baseball, or the Yankees. We will have to wait and see.
The Yankees lose to the hated Red Stockings, and end a quick stay at home as they hit the road to Baltimore and start a long road trip that takes them from Baltimore (3 games), to Chicago (3 games), and then Cleveland.
