Kuroda Leaves Early as Yankees Fall to Orioles

northjersey.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

May 22nd, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 3 Orioles 6

The New York Yankees lost the rubber game of the series to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, as Yankees Starter Hiroki Kuroda was forced to leave the game early. The loss moves the Yankees to (28-18) on the season, and they still hold a lead in the AL East.

Kuroda got the start for the Yankees, and was their best pitcher thus far this season, but on Wednesday he was forced to leave the game early with a calf injury. Kuroda was hit hard before he had to leave the game in the third inning, as he gave up two homeruns to Nick Markakis and Chris Davis in the first inning. Kuroda’s final line was two innings pitched, while allowing five runs on eight hits.



The bullpen for the Yankees was pretty solid eating innings up for Joe Girardi, as Preston Claiborne went two innings, and then Adam Warren went four innings allowing five hits, but kept the Orioles off the board to keep the Yankees within striking distance.

Baltimore got a very good start from Jason Hammel, who was able to pick up his sixth win of the season despite having an over five ERA. Hammel went 6.2 innings allowing only two runs on six hits, two walk, and was able to strikeout six batters.

Brett Gardner got the day off from the starting lineup, which led to Girardi putting Curtis Granderson in the lead-off spot, and Granderson responded with his best game since coming off the DL. Granderson went three for three at the plate, as he scored a run in the third inning on a Robinson Cano single, and then hit his first homerun of the season in the fifth inning, which was a solo-shot.

Rookie David Adams continues his good play filling in for Kevin Youkilis and Alex Rodriguez at Third Base. Adams hit his second career homerun in the ninth inning, and is batting a nice .308 since being called up.

The Yankees will be heading down to Tampa Bay for a weekend series against the Rays, who are playing very well coming into this series. On Friday it will be David Phelps (2-2. 3.83) facing off against Roberto Hernandez (2-4, 5.24).