Yankees Split 4-Game Series with Rays

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Series Recap

April 17th: Yankees 10 Rays 2; Click here for Game 1 Recap

April 18th: Yankees 5 Rays 11; Click here for Game 2 Recap

April 19th: Yankees 1 Rays 16

April 20th: Yankees 5 Rays 1

The New York Yankees were able to head down to Tampa Bay in a four-game series against the Rays, and leave with a split despite giving up double-digit runs in two of the games. They will are now (11-8) on the season, which is good enough to be on top of the AL East.

Positives:

 In two of the four games the Yankees got really good starts from their Starting Pitchers, as C.C Sabathia and Vidal Nuno both turned in good outings. In Sabathia’s start the Yankees were able to grab the victory for him, which was his second of the season after seven strong innings allowing just two runs, only one of which was earned. Nuno didn’t have the same luck, as he left the game after five shutout innings, but had the bullpen blow the one-run lead he left with in the seventh inning.

Alfonso Soriano was the Yankees best hitter in the four games against the Rays, as he went seven for 16 at plate with one homerun, three RBIs, four runs scored, and two runs scored.

On Sunday the Yankees got to see the return of Mark Teixeira, who has missed most of the season, but was able to rejoin the team and have a pretty good first game back, which is important for a weak Yankees infield. Teixeira went two for six in the 12 inning game on Sunday.

Negatives:

bleacherreport.com

In the Yankees rough loss on Saturday against the Rays they may have suffered a major blow to the starting rotation, as Ivan Nova left the game in the fifth inning with pain in the elbow, and placed on the disabled list very quickly after. The MRI after the game showed that Nova had a partially torn UCL, which usually requires Tommy John surgery. The typical recover time for such a procedure is 12-18 months. Nova will be looked at again in New York, but it certainly doesn’t look good for the Yankees young Starter.

Yankees Sign Jacoby Ellsbury to Monster Deal

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler 

December 4th, 2013

The New York Yankees have made their second big splash of an off-season that originally was thought to be one of trying to cut payroll, but has been the complete opposite so far. On Tuesday night they signed now former Red Sox Center Fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. After handing a five-year 85 million dollar contract to Catcher Brian McCann, the Yankees have now added a seven-year 153 million dollar contract for Ellsbury to their payroll.

This contract for the Yankees is going to be taking a lot of heat, and deservingly so. Although Jacoby Ellsbury is a very good player he does have trouble staying on the field. Another scary part of the contract for the Yankees is the seven years for a 30 year old player that relies most of his game on his legs, as he is coming off a 52 stolen base season. In his 2012 contract season, Ellsbury batted .298 with 172 hits, 92 runs scored, 31 doubles, eight triples, nine homeruns, 53 RBIs, and the aforementioned 52 stolen bases in 134 games. Power wise Ellsbury had one monster year in 2011, hitting 32 homeruns that season, but excluding that year he only has 33 career homeruns. It will be something to watch in 2014 if Ellsbury can find the short porch a few times.

Yankees Rally in 8th to Defeat Blue Jays

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 18^th, 2013

New York Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 4 Blue Jays 3

The New York Yankees were able to snap their four-game losing streak on Wednesday in Toronto with a victory over the Blue Jays. The win moves the Yankees to (80-72), which keeps their Wild Card hopes alive, as they are now 2.5 games behind the Texas Rangers for the final Wild Card spot.

Phil Hughes got the start for the Yankees in this crucial game, and like last time Joe Girardi did a Hughes/David Huff combo to get through this game. Hughes went three scoreless innings before giving up a 451ft two-run home run to Colby Rasmus. Hughes went 3.1 innings allowing two runs on four hits, and was pulled for Huff in the fourth inning.

The first batter Huff would face was Ryan Goins, and he promptly hit his first home run of the season. Huff would settle down after that however, as he finished going 3.2 innings allowing just the home run to Goins, and he earned his third win of the season.

Soriano Blasts Yankees Past Orioles

nytimes.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 10^th, 2013

New York Yankees vs Baltimore Orioles Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 7 Orioles 5

The New York Yankees were able to bounce back from a loss on Monday against the Baltimore Orioles with a come from behind win on Tuesday night. The win moves the Yankees to (77-68) on the season, which is two games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the final Wild Card spot.

Miguel Gonzalez got the start for the Orioles in Game 2 of the four-game series, and although despite pitching much better than his previous start against the Yankees he didn’t factor in the decision of this game. Alex Rodriguez got to Gonzalez first breaking a scoreless game up in the third inning with a RBI double that scored Chris Stewart. In the sixth inning the Yankees would show off their power, as Alfonso Soriano hit a solo-home run, which was his 14^th home run since joining the Yankees. Mark Reynolds would follow in Soriano's footsteps a few batters later with a solo-home run of his own, which was his 18^th of the year. Gonzalez finished going six innings allowing three runs on six hits, while striking out six batters, and leaving the game in position to earn the win.

Yankees Yet Again Can't Beat Red Sox

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 7^th, 2013

Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Red Sox 13 Yankees 9

The New York Yankees suffered yet another loss to the Boston Red Sox at home on Saturday afternoon. The loss moves the Yankees to (75-67), which is three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the final Wild Card spot.

David Huff was brought in to the rotation to take the spot of the struggling Phil Hughes, but on Saturday afternoon it was Huff who got shelled, as he picked up his first loss as a Yankee. Mike Napoli who was the hero of Friday nights game wasted little time putting his mark on Saturday's game, as he hit a two-run home run in the second inning to get the Red Sox the early lead. In the third inning the long ball would hurt Huff again, as this time it was a three-run home run by Johnny Gomes. The fourth inning would be the last for Huff, as the Red Sox really broke it open starting with a Ryan Lavarnway double. A RBI ground out by Xander Bogaerts, which was followed by a double by Shane Victorino would make it a 8-2 game, and it would kick Huff from the ball game. Huff would go just 3.1 innings allowing nine runs on eight hits, as Jim Miller would give up a base-hit to Johnny Gomes, which scored Victorino, finishing off Huff's line.

Yankees Complete Sweep of White Sox

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 4^th, 2013

Chicago White Sox vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: White Sox 5 Yankees 6

The New York Yankees were able to complete the sweep at home of the Chicago White Sox, despite almost blowing their lead in the late innings. The win moves the Yankees to (75-64), which is 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

C.C Sabathia was able to put together a pretty good start together on Wednesday night, as he picked up his 13^th win of the season. The first inning was to good for Sabathia, but he kept the damage at a minimum, as only one run scored on Avisail Garcia double that scored Gordon Beckham. Sabathia went into the eighth inning, but after two singles allowed he was pulled for David Robertson, who allowed both of Sabathia's runners to score, which hurt his final line. Sabathia finished going 7.1 innings allowing three runs on five hits and four walks.

Yankees Rally in 8th Inning to Beat White Sox

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 3rd, 2013

Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: White Sox 4 Yankees 6

The New York Yankees were able to get a big come from behind win against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, in a game and series that the Yankees desperately need to win against a poor White Sox team. The win moves the Yankees to (74-64), which is 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second Wild Card spot.

Once again for the Yankees their Starter Hiroki Kuroda didn’t look to good, but with a late rally from the offense, Kuroda got a no decision. The White Sox wasted little time getting to Kuroda, as Adam Dunn had a RBI single to score Gordon Beckham. In the fifth inning the Sox would get to Kuroda for two runs on an Alexi Ramirez RBI triple, which gave them a 3-1 lead at the time. In the seventh inning Alejandro De Aza would take Kuroda deep for his 15th home run of the season, which was a solo-shot, and chased Kuroda from the game. Kuroda finished going 6.1 innings allowing four runs on seven hits, and two walks, while striking out seven batters.

Monster Fourth Inning Gets Yankees Victory on Labor Day

usatoday.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 2nd, 2013

Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: White Sox 1 Yankees 9

The New York Yankees were able to pull out the win on Labor Day against the Chicago White Sox despite a lengthy rain delay. The win puts the Yankees at (73-64), which are 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second Wild Card spot.

After an almost two-hour rain delay both Starters for each team didn’t come back to the mound once the game was finally resumed. Unfortunately for Jose Quintana the first inning run he allowed on a base-hit by Derek Jeter gave him his fifth loss of the season.

David Huff came in relief of Phil Hughes for the Yankees, and really shined earning his second win of the season. Huff went 5.2 innings allowing just one run on five hits in the win. The one mistake by Huff came in the seventh inning, when Paul Konerko hit a solo-home run, which was his 10th of the season, and the only run the white Sox would score on Monday.

Yankees Take Opener Against Orioles

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 30th, 2013

Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Orioles 5 Yankees 8

The New York Yankees were able to start their series at home against the Baltimore Orioles on a positive not with a victory on Friday night after two straight losing series against division opponents. The win moves the Yankees to (71-63) on the seasons, which are four games behind the second Wild Card spot.

C.C. Sabathia was looking good for the first three innings of this game, but after that it was a tough go of it for Sabathia, who once again got hit hard after the third inning. Sabathia was still able to get his 12th win thanks to a lot of offense, and some great pitching from the Yankees bullpen. In the fourth inning Chris Davis broke up the scoreless game with a single that scored Manny Machado. In the fifth inning after being given a lead by the offense, Sabathia gave it right back to the Orioles, as Danny Valencia hit a two-run homerun, and then later in that inning Machado singled home Alexi Casilla to cap off the three-run inning. In the sixth inning the Orioles would get their final run off Sabathia on a Nick Markakis single that scored Adam Jones, and led to Sabathia getting pulled. Sabathia went just 5.2 innings allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk.

Milestone Day for Soriano Gets Yankees a Victory

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 27th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 7 Blue Jays 1

The New York Yankees were able to bounce back from losing the first game of the series against the Toronto Blue Jays with a nice win on Tuesday night. The win moves the Yankees to (70-62) on the season, which has them 7.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East, and 4.5 games behind the two Wild Card spots.

On offense the Yankees looked very good on Tuesday night getting to Blue Jays Starter J.A. Happ, and handed him his fourth loss of the season. They wasted little time getting to Happ, as in the first inning Derek Jeter singled home Brett Gardner, who led-off the game with a double. A few batters later Alfonso Soriano hit career home run number 399, which was a three-run shot. In the third inning Soriano would get the best of Happ once more by hitting a solo-home run for his 400th home run of his career. Happ finished going just 4.2 innings allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks.

Yankees Avoid Being Swept in Tampa Bay

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 25th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 3 Rays 2

The New York Yankees were able to avoid the sweep on Sunday, by beating the Tampa Bay Rays in extra-innings. The win moves the Yankees to (69-61) on the season, which is seven games behind the AL East leading Red Sox, and 3.5 games behind the two Wild Card spots.

Ivan Nova wasn’t at his best, but was able to battle and get a few big double plays to avoid any real damage, and turn in a good start for the Yankees. Evan Longoria had Nova’s number in this game, as he was responsible for both Rays runs. In the first inning Longoria had a RBI single that scored David DeJesus, and then in the sixth inning Longoria hit a solo-home run, which was his 28th of the season, and it was his third home run of the weekend series. Nova finished going 6.2 innings allowing just two runs on six hits and six walks in the no decision.

Yankees Take Series Opener in Fenway

Usatoday.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 16^th, 2013

New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 10 Red Sox 3

The New York Yankees were able to start their big series in Boston against the Red Sox on a very positive note with the blowout victory in Game 1 of the series. The win moves the Yankees to (63-58), which is now 7.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East, and six games behind the two Wild Card spots.

Red Sox Starter Felix Doubront got roughed up by the Yankees offense early in this game, as he was handed his sixth loss of the season. In the first inning Alfonso Soriano had an RBI infield single that scored Brett Gardner. Newly acquired Mark Reynolds made his presence felt in the second inning, as he too Doubront over the Green Monster for his first home run as a Yankees, that scored Vernon Wells. In the third inning Soriano would strike again hitting a three-run home run, which tied him for the MLB record of 18 RBIs in a four-game span, and gave the Yankees a 6-0 lead. The final run off Doubront would come from a Robinson Cano base-hit that scored Eduardo Nunez. Doubront would pitch just four innings allowing seven runs, six of which were earned on eight hits and two walks.

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 16-18^th

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox

The New York Yankees will be heading into Boston to face their arch rivals the Red Sox in what is an important series for both teams, as the Yankees look to gain ground in the Wild Card and AL East, and the Red Sox will look to improve on their two game lead on the Tampa Bay Rays for first place. The Yankees are now (62-58), which is 8.5 games behind the Red Sox in the division, and six games behind the two Wild Card spots.

- Pitching Match-Ups

On Friday night to kick off the series the Yankees will be sending Andy Pettitte (7-9, 4.62) to the mound, who will be making his 40^th career start against the Red Sox, and he will be looking for his 20^th win against Boston, as he faces Felix Doubront (8-5, 3.66). In Game 2 the Yankees will have their ace Hiroki Kuroda (11-7, 2.33) on the mound facing John Lackey (7-10, 3.32), who is having a nice bounce back season. Game 3 will be on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, as C.C Sabathia (10-10, 4.66) will be facing Ryan Dempster (6-8, 4.50).

Yankees Unable to Sweep Angels

latimes.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 15^th, 2013

Los Angeles Angels vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Angels 8 Yankees 4

The New York Yankees were unable to complete the four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday afternoon, as poor hitting with runners in scoring position hurt the Yankees in this one. The loss moves the Yankees to (62-58), and they slide back to six games behind the two Wild Card spots.

Phil Hughes was on the mound for the Yankees in this game, which usually means a loss, and even though he pitched better than he has most of the season it wasn’t good enough to keep him from getting his 12^th loss of the season. It looked like things were going to be ugly for Hughes in this one, as in the first inning Josh Hamilton had a RBI single that scored J.B. Shuck. Hughes would however settle down until the fourth inning when the Angels would get two more runs on a sac-fly by Hank Conger, which was followed up by a solo-home run from Chris Nelson. Hughes ended up going six innings allowing three runs on six hits, one walk, while striking out five, but it was a much better version of Hughes on Thursday afternoon.

Soriano's Monster Night Gets Yankees Victory

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 14^th, 2013

Los Angeles Angels vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Angels 3 Yankees 11

The New York Yankees were able to pull off their fourth straight win on Wednesday night, which guarantees them a series win against the Angels even if they lose on Thursday. The win moves the Yankees to (62-57) and they are now five games behind the Rays and Athletics for the two Wild Card spots, as they keep inching closer and closer to the teams ahead of them.

The Yankees offense has certainly come alive of late, and that continued against one of the better Pitchers in the MLB in Jered Weaver, who was handed his sixth loss of the season on Wednesday. Alfonso Soriano has been on fire lately, and in the first inning he gave the Yankees a nice lead with a Grand Slam off Weaver for his sixth home run since putting the pinstripes back on. In the second inning the Yankees would tack on four more runs essentially ending the game, as Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson both had RBI singles, and then none other than Soriano would hit a two-run double, which gave him six RBIs in the first two innings. In the fifth inning Soriano would strike again off Weaver, this time being a solo-home run. Weaver finished the game going five innings allowing nine runs on nine hits, three walks, and he saw his ERA go up to 3.49.

Yankees Offense Breaks Out Against Angels

nytimes.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 13^th, 2013

Los Angeles Angels vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Angels 7 Yankees 14

The New York Yankees were able to win their third straight game on Tuesday night, which was their second straight win over the Los Angeles Angels, and the Yankees continue to gain ground in the Wild Card race. The win moves the Yankees to (61-57), and they are now 5.5 games behind the Rays and Athletics for the two Wild Card spots.

Yankees Starter C.C. Sabathia once again didn’t look like an ace, but with plenty of run support it made up for some poor Yankees defense. Nonetheless he was able to earn his 10^th win of the season, and it was his first win since July 3^rd. Things started out tough for Sabathia though, as in the first inning Mark Trumbo hit a two-run home run, which scored Mike Trout and was his 26^th home run of the season. The final run Sabathia would allow came in the third inning with the bases loaded, as he walked Chris Nelson which scored J.B. Shuck. Sabathia finished going six innings allowing three runs, only two of which were earned on three hits and six walks, while striking out seven. Tuesday was definitely better for Sabathia compared to almost all of his starts in the past month, which is a great sign for the Yankees.

Yankees Fall To 0-2 With Alex Rodriguez

Nydailynews.com

A rough road trip for the Yankees continues as they fall to the White Sox 3-2 last night in Chicago. Another solid start by the ace of this team Hiroki Kuroda was wasted as the Yankee lineup failed to give him run support. Kuroda went 7.0 innings allowing three runs on nine hits and struck out four. He now falls to 10-7 on the season mainly due to poor run support. But in some cases he has been the Yankees ace since the struggles of C.C. Sabathia and the rest of the Starting Pitchers on the team.

The Yankees only managed seven hits through nine innings, one of those hits coming from Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod is two for six since returning to the Yankees batting .333 on the season. I expect more from a player who is being linked to PEDs use. It might take Alex a few more games before getting back into the swing of things after going through a second hip surgery and missing four months of action. Last night Joe Girardi had Rodriguez as the Designated Hitter after playing Third Base in his first game. At the plate A-Rod followed up his one for four debut by going one for two with a single, walk and reaching base after being hit by a pitch.

Down 3-1, Yankees tried to rally back in the 9th. With one out, Ichiro Suzuki singled to left and reached Second Base on a fielder's indifference. Austin Romine struck out looking for the second out of the inning. Ichiro then scored on a single to right from Brett Gardner, but White Sox Closer Addison Reed got the save by striking out Alfonso Soriano. A-Rod was on deck when Soriano struck out swinging to end the game with the tying run on first. Sadly this is the Yankees 13th loss in the last 19 games.

Chris Sale was dealing last night going 7.1 Innings and giving up five hits, one run, and struck out six Yankee hitters. The only run he allowed was a passed ball by Josh Phegley, which allowed Soriano to score.

Hoping that Alex Rodriguez can provide a spark and help this Yankee team start winning games to make a playoff run is looking hopeless at this point. They are relying on a player who is coming off hip surgery and has a long suspension hanging over him after MLB and Bud Selig released the suspensions on Monday. With a little less than two months left and being 10.5 games behind Boston, its hard to think the Yankees have enough games to make up that kind of ground. Also they are currently 6 games behind the Wild card leaders Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers. Playing for a Wild Card berth seems to be more realistic for the Yankees, but they will need to start winning games now and start scoring runs.

Next up for the Yankees they will look to avoid the sweep at the hand of the White Sox, as C.C. Sabathia (9-10, 4.78) will look to fix his problems of late against Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.28).

Yankees Bounce Back Behind Strong Start From Nova

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 3^rd, 2013

New York Yankees vs San Diego Padres Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 3 Padres 0

The New York Yankees were able to bounce back in the second game of the series against the San Diego Padres on Saturday night, with a shutout victory. The win moves the Yankees to (57-52), but they were unable to gain any ground in the AL East, as they still sit 8.5 games behind the first place Boston Red Sox.

After getting a horrible start from C.C. Sabathia on Friday night, Ivan Nova was exceptional on Saturday night, and picked up his fifth win of the season. Nova went seven shutout innings allowing only four hits, one walk, and struckout eight batters. With the good start Nova sees his ERA drop to 3.08, as he is quite possibly pitching better than ever right now.

W2W4: New York Yankees vs San Diego Padres

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

W2W4: New York Yankees vs San Diego Padres Series Preview

August 2-4^th

After a split in Los Angeles against the Dodgers to start the New York Yankees eight-game road-trip, the Yankees will now be in San Diego to start a three-game series against the Padres. The Yankees are now (56-51), which is 8.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East, and this looks to be a winnable series on paper against the Padres, who are just (50-59).

- Pitching Match-Ups

In Game 1 of the series it will be the struggling C.C. Sabathia (9-9, 4.65), who has lost three of his last four starts, and has given up seven runs in each of his last two starts, facing Andrew Cashner (7-5, 3.88). In Game 2 Ivan Nova (4-4, 3.41) will be on the mound facing Tyson Ross (2-4, 2.90), who has won his last two starts, only allowing one run in 14 innings. In Game 3 the Yankees will be facing a familiar face in Ian Kennedy (3-8, 5.23), who will making his debut with the Padres against his former teammate Phil Hughes (4-9, 4.58).

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

July 30^th, 2013

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers

The New York Yankees will be on the West Coast starting a eight-game road trip in Los Angles against the NL West leading Dodgers. The Yankees are (55-50) on the season 7.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East with the trade deadline right around the corner.

- Pitching Match-Ups

Both games in the series have pretty good pitching match-ups, as in Game 1 Andy Pettitte (7-8, 4.39) will be on the hill for the Yankees facing Zack Greinke (8-3, 3.49). In Game 2 both teams will have their aces on the mound in what should definitely be a pitchers duel between Hiroki Kuroda (10-6, 2.51) and NL CY Young frontrunner Clayton Kershaw (10-6, 1.96). For the Yankees they are probably getting the Dodgers best two pitchers, which could lead to their road-trip starting off on a sour note.