Yankees Take Aim
By Cole Hoyt, Contributing Writer and loyal Yankees fan
New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson helped lift the Yankees against the spurring Detroit Tigers on Monday night. All thought the Yankees would close the game out after a seven-run advantage over the Tigers after the fourth inning. But the recent games have caused Yankee followers to hold their breath and wait for the 27th out to be recorded. It is without a doubt that the Yankees have been cold. With the “W” on Wednesday night the Yankees have only won 7 of their last 19 games played. Curtis Granderson has been relatively quite until he woke up Wednesday night with a amazing night at the plate. Granderson knocked in four and hit his 30th homer. Shockingly, New York Yankees starting pitcher, CC Sabathia only threw 94 pitches in just seven innings.
Wednesday’s night game proved to be a physical game after the home-plate umpire warned both sides after pitchers took aim at the batters. The Bombers first baseman Mark Teixeria was hit by the pitch in the first inning. Protecting his teammate, CC Sabathia went after the Tigers strongest hitter, Prince Fielder. To retaliate, the Tigers starting pitcher nailed Yankees All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano. This is the unwritten rule in baseball that has sparked much controversy but will always continue in America’s favorite past time. Every Major Leaguer knows this invisible rule, “If a pitcher hits your teammate, hit one of their players.” Naturally, accidents do occur: curveballs don’t break, fastballs slip and changeups get away. But once your teammate has been hit intentionally, pitchers can begin to show their true aim! While injuries, fines, and ejections occur as a result, it is the palpable feeling of the team that proves to be priceless. This is exactly what the Yankees needed. While only 4.5 games up on the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East, this incident can be the turning point the Bombers have been looking for.
The Yankees upcoming schedule might predict the outcome of the season. The Yankees need to sweep the struggling Toronto Blue Jays this weekend. The challenge comes next week when the Yankees will host the blazing hot Texas Rangers. With the there new trade acquisitions, the American League favorite will try to dismantle the first place Yankees. But the series of the year will start on the last day of the month as the Yankees welcome the Baltimore Orioles. All eyes will be on the possible season deciding series.
While there is no question that the Yankees will make the playoffs there is however, some uncertainty that they will not advance far in the post season. With a long list of injuries and mishaps this season, the Yankees will need to rely on their experience to make it into the October games. The most important task the Yankees need to accomplish is to close out the season strong. Finishing the first half on a high note, its obvious that since the All-Star break the Yankees have been faltering. But if the Pinstripes can continue to fight, the Yankees have a great chance of playing for the trophy.
Read more Yankees coverage by Cole Hoyt