A must-win for the Yankees in order to secure a split, Mike Mussina got the nod, and the Yankees looked to wrap up this long away-from-home schedule, and give the Indians another lose. Mike Mussina, and the Yankees did just that. Mussina’s record improved to 3-3, and the Yankees come away from this long road trip at .500, 10-10.
The Yankees scored 4 runs in the 6th inning and that was all it took to win this one. It really was a collective effort out there today from this tired pitching staff. Having been on the road more than any other major league team in history for the month of April, this pitching staff has been worn down, remember the 2 rain delay game, and 5 pitcher days of last week?
Mussina looked good going 5 innings, allowing 7 hits, and 2 runs, striking out 2. He set it up for another outstanding bullpen performance. Albaladejo relieved Mussina in the 6th, gave up the only hit from the bullpen today, and retired the side after that. Farnsworth, and Chamberlain both recorded holds for their perfect 7th and 8th innings. Then Rivera closed it out in another perfect 9th inning, striking out one.
This was a good win, and sends the Yankees home after salvaging this series with a split (after losing the first two). Going home with a winning streak, no matter how small is always better than coming home without one.
