Looking Forward After a Less Than Stellar Day for the New York Yankees
By Cole Hoyt, Contributing Writer and loyal Yankees fan
Lets face it. The Yankees had a horrible day on Wednesday. The Yankees were obviously not themselves when they committed an embarrassing three errors when the 58-71 Toronto Blue Jays came back twice in the game to win.
Fans thought that the two runs scored in the first inning was a good start to the game but it was the two-run ninth inning for the Blue Jays that proved to be most important in their 8-5 victory over the bombers. The Yankees have lost six of their last nine games and have not been able to win consecutive games since the sweep of the AL powerhouse, the Texas Rangers. This slump has cut the Yankees lead down to just three over the Baltimore Orioles.
Wednesday’s game was considered a sure win for CC Sabathia and company. Sabathia was 8-0 in his last nine starts against the Toronto Blue Jays with an 2.48 E.R.A. Even after recording eight strikeouts he gave up five runs. On a more positive note, Sabathia told reporters that he felt no pain in his elbow which sidelined him and put him on the DL. Interestingly, the Yankees haven’t had a problem scoring runs. The Pinstripes still rank 1st overall in slugging percentage and have been able to put runs on the board. However, with runners in scoring position the Yankees have been less than impressive. With the bases loaded on Wednesday the Yankees two hottest hitters, Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano struck out. The Yankees have camouflaged their inability to score runners in scoring position with their homeruns. Even Toronto’s manager claims, “It centers around the home run. … That’s not to take anything away from them. You play to the strength of your roster.” (via ESPN.com)
Unbelievably, the Yankees are 0-47 when trailing after eight innings.
On a happier note, the Little League World Series team from Uganda made their very first appearance in Williamsport, also visited Yankee Stadium for the first time. Yankees skipper Joe Girardi took off his coaching cap and became Uganda’s tour guide. The first Little League team from Africa to make it to the Little League World Series toured the clubhouse and went onto the field for batting practice. The players even got to talk with some of the Yankees superstars and also got autographs.
But I digress.
The Yankees face the Baltimore Orioles on Friday in what can be the deciding series of the season. Hiroki Kuroda who is 12-9 is scheduled to take on the Orioles who are just three games back. The Yankees then take on the third place Tampa Bay Rays and then travel to Baltimore for a rematch against the Orioles. These two upcoming series are truly season defining and can either crown the Yankees or make the race too close for comfort.
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