Sabathia Struggles Yet Again in Yankees Loss to Rays

nytimes.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

May 4^th, 2014

Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees

Final Score: Rays 5 Yankees 1

In Sunday's finale of the three-game series between the Rays and Yankees, the Yankees were unable to win the rubber game with C.C. Sabathia on the mound against Erik Bedard. The loss moves the Yankees to (16-14) on the season, but they are still atop the ultra tight AL East.

Once again for the Yankees like much of last season, C.C. Sabathia struggled, as their has to be some major concerns brewing about the former ace after a poor start to the season. In already his fourth loss of the season, Sabathia allowed five runs on 10 hits and a walk, as Joe Girardi had to pull him in the fourth inning with things getting out of hand. In 2014, Sabathia has an ERA of 5.75, as what the Yankees hoped would be a bounce back season for Sabathia isn’t looking like that at all.

Rays Starter Erik Bedard shutdown the Yankees offense on Sunday for his first win of the season, as the Yankees offense struggled to get anything going against him. Bedard went six innings allowing just one run on six hits and one walk, while striking out three batters. The Yankees were only able to produce a run in fourth inning, as Yangervis Solarte hit a sac-fly to score Mark Teixeira.

Yankees Lose in Robinson Cano's Return

nypost.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 29th, 2014

Seattle Mariners vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Mariners 6 Yankees 3

In Robinson Cano’s return to Yankees Stadium, the New York Yankees were unable to defeat their former star and his new team the Seattle Mariners, as they lost 6-3. The loss moves the Yankees to (15-11) on the season, which is two games in front of the field in the AL East.

Yankees Starter C.C. Sabathia had a rough outing on Tuesday, as after receiving a two-run lead to work with, and Sabathia let it all up. Sabathia, in his third loss of the season gave up four runs on nine hits in five innings. The fifth inning was where all the damage was given up by Sabathia, as the Mariners ripped off a four-run inning.

For the most part the Yankees did a good job holding their former player Cano in check, as he went 1 for 5 with an RBI, run scored, and struck out twice. Cano was greeted by a lot of boo’s and a chant of “You Sold Out” by Yankees fans.

Seattle got a good start from veteran Chris Young, who earned his first victory of the season. Young gave up two-runs, only one of which was earned on three hits and three walks in 5.2 innings.

Dellin Betances and Preston Claiborne had a tough time in the seventh inning in a manageable two-run game, but Betances let up two hits and then Claiborne allowed two more hits to charge the final run to Betances before he could get the final out of the inning.

For the most part the Yankees offense was pretty quiet, but Mark Teixeira did hit his third homerun of the season in the second inning off of Young.

The heart of the Yankees order had a very disappointing day at the plate, as Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann, and Alfonso Soriano went a combined 0 for 12 with five strikeouts. Hitting with runners in scoring position wasn’t much better, as the team went 1 for 10.

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 Crush David Price in Tampa Bay

zimbio.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 17th, 2014

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 10 Rays 2

The New York Yankees were able to head down to Tampa Bay and start off their four-game series with the Rays on a positive note, notching a 10-2 victory. The victory moves the Yankees to (10-6) on the season, which keeps them atop the AL East by two games.

C.C Sabathia was able to avoid his woes in Tropicana Field on Thursday night, as a place that has been a nightmare for him the past few seasons was friendly to him this time around. While earning his second win of the season, Sabathia went seven innings allowing two runs on seven hits, two walks, and was able to strikeout six batters.

For the Rays their ace and former Cy Young award winner David Price just wasn’t on against the Yankees, as a rare bad outing for Price led to his first loss of the young season. Price finished going just five innings allowing six runs on 10 hits, and one walk.

Yankees Lose Series in Boston

stamfordadvocate.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 14^th, 2013

New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 1 Red Sox 5

The New York Yankees suffered their second straight loss to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon. The loss moves the Yankees to (79-70) on the season, and they now sit 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the final Wild Card spot, as the series in Boston is hurting the Yankees badly.

Once again for the Yankees on Saturday was another poor start from C.C. Sabathia which has become something all to common for them this year, as Sabathia got his 13^th loss of the season, a career-high for Sabathia. After breezing thru the first inning, Sabathia would struggle after that, as in the second inning the Red Sox got on the board with a RBI ground out from Will Middlebrooks. In the third inning the Red Sox would get two more runs across started with a RBI double from David Ortiz, and then later in the inning a RBI base-hit from Johnny Gomes. In the fourth inning it was a two-out single that hurt Sabathia, as Shane Victorino knocked in David Ross. The fifth inning would end up being the last time the Red Sox would score in the game, as Daniel Nava hit a sac-fly to score Mike Napoli making it a 5-1 game. Sabathia would finish going six innings allowing five runs on nine hits and four walks.

Yankees Lose in Series Opener to Orioles

allfanpage.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 9th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles

Final Score: Yankees 2 Orioles 4

The New York Yankees were unable to start their important four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on a good note, as they suffered a 4-2 loss on Monday night. The loss moves the Yankees to (76-68) on the season, which is three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the final Wild Card spot.

In a big game for both teams, Orioles Starter Chris Tillman came up big with a great start, as he earned his 16th win of the season. Tillman only made two bad pitches in this game, but was otherwise sensational. In the first inning Alex Rodriguez hit a solo-home run off of Tillman to give the Yankees a quick 1-0 lead, and it was the fifth home run of the season for Rodriguez. It wouldn’t be until the eighth inning when Tillman would make another mistake, as Lyle Overbay hit a solo-home run, which was his 14th of the season. Tillman went seven innings allowing just the two runs on four hits, while striking out nine batters.

Yankees Complete Sweep of White Sox

nytimes.com

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 Take Opener Against Orioles

washingtonpost.com

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.

Yankees Lose Second Straight Against Rays

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 24th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 2 Rays 4

The New York Yankees suffered their second straight loss in Tampa Bay against the Rays, as they have already lost the three-game weekend series. The loss moves the Yankees to (68-61), which is seven games behind the AL East leading Red Sox, and 4.5 games behind the two Wild Card spots.

Rodriguez Getting Hit Sparks Yankees to Victory

yankees.lhblogs.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 18^th, 2013

New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox Post Game Recap

Final Score Yankees 9 Red Sox 6

The New York Yankees were able to pull of possibly their best win of the season on Sunday night, as they took the rubber game in their series with the Boston Red Sox. The win moves the Yankees to (64-59), which is 7.5 games behind the Red Sox for the AL East and still six games behind the two Wild Card spots.

C.C. Sabathia once again did not pitch well, but with a lot of run support was able to pick up his 11^th win of the season. The Red Sox wasted little time getting to Sabathia. As in the first inning they scored two runs on a Johnny Gomes sac-fly, and a Jarrod Saltalamacchia base-hit. The middle innings wouldn’t be any kinder to Sabathia, as in the third inning a David Ortiz ground-out scored Shane Victorino for the third run off Sabathia. In the fourth inning it two more runs would be allowed on a Stephen Drew sac-fly, and then a Will Middlebrooks solo-home run. In the fifth inning the Red Sox would get their final run off of Sabathia with the bases loaded, as Daniel Nava was able to work a walk. Sabathia would finish going 5.1 innings allowing six runs on seven hits, five walks, and he did not retaliate to Alex Rodriguez being hit by a pitch.

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox

photos.nj.com

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 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.

W2W4: Los Angeles Angels vs New York Yankees

losangeles.cbslocal.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

W2W4: Los Angeles Angels vs New York Yankees

August 12-15^th

The New York Yankees will be continuing their home-stand after an impressive series win against the then red hot Detroit Tigers, and now after taking two out of three games against them, the Yankees will be hosting the Los Angeles Angels, who will be coming into the Bronx 10 games under .500.

- Pitching Match-Ups

The four-game series will kick off with the pitching match-up of Hiroki Kuroda (10-7, 2.45) will be facing Garrett Richards (3-4, 4.20), which on paper looks to be a great chance for the Yankees to win. In Game 2 it is undecided right now who will be getting the ball for the Angels, but for the Yankees it will be C.C. Sabathia (9-10, 4.73), who looked better in his last start against the Chicago White Sox. Game 3 is probably the best match-up of the series, as Ivan Nova (5-4, 2.93) will be facing Jered Weaver (7-5, 2.87). In the finale of the series the Angels will send C.J. Wilson (12-6, 3.49) to the mound against the struggling Phil Hughes (4-11, 4.99).

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Chicago White Sox

sportsgrid.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Chicago White Sox

August 5-7^th

The New York Yankees will be heading into the Windy City after a disappointing series loss against the San Diego Padres, and one Monday night they will be looking to regroup and win their final series against the Chicago White Sox on their road-trip.

- Pitching Match-Ups

On Monday night in Game 1 of the three-game series it will be a match-up of two lefties, as Andy Pettitte (7-8, 4.28) will be facing Jose Quintana (5-3, 3.62). Game 2 will have both teams aces on the mound, as Hiroki Kuroda (10-6, 2.38) will be facing Chris Sale (6-11, 2.92) in what should be a great pitchers duel. In Game 3 the Yankees will be sending the struggling C.C. Sabathia (9-10, 4.78) to the mound, as if he is going to get back on track after three horrendous starts, the White Sox are the team to do that against, and his opposing Pitcher will be Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.28).

W2W4: New York Yankees vs San Diego Padres

zimbio.com

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).

Yankees Lose Final Game Before Break

sport.yahoo.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

July 14^th, 2013

Minnesota Twins vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Twins 10 Yankees 4

The New York Yankees lost the rubber game of their series at home against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon in the final game before the All-Star break. The loss moves the Yankees to (51-44), which is six games behind the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East.

The Twins wasted little time getting to Yankees Starter C.C. Sabathia, who got his eighth loss of the season. A two-out rally in the second inning got the Twins a quick 2-0 lead on the Yankees, as Jamie Carroll and Pedro Florimon both had RBI singles. The third inning was tough for the Yankees on defense, which didn’t help Sabathia, who should have been well out of the inning before he allowed a three-run home run to Aaron Hicks, which was his eighth of the season, making it a 5-0 game. A bad fourth inning would end Sabathia's day, as the Twins got three more runs on Morneau infield single, which scored Carroll, and then an error by Lyle Overbay allowed to more runs to score. Sabathia went just four innings allowing eight runs, three of which were earned on eight hits and two walks.

Yankees Lose Third Straight Game in Bronx

sbnation.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

July 9^th, 2013

Kansas City Royals vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Royals 3 Yankees 1

For the third straight game the Yankees offense was only able to score one run, and for the third straight game the Yankees lost. The loss moves the Yankees to (48-42) on the season, which is six games behind the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East.

Facing familiar foe James Shields, who is no stranger from facing the Yankees when he played for the Tampa Bay Rays, but this Yankee lineup couldn’t do much against Shields. The Yankees got their only run off Shields in the first inning with a Robinson Cano single that scored Brett Gardner, but the Yankees could have gotten much more, as they loaded the bases. The Yankees however had Lyle Overbay strikeout and Eduardo Nunez flew out ending a chance to get to Shields for more runs. Shields would pick up his fourth win of the season, by going seven innings allowing just one run on five hits and two walks.

Sabathia Blows Lead for Yankees in Baltimore

northjersey.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

June 28^th, 2013

New York Yankees vs Baltimore Orioles

Final Score: Yankees 3 Orioles 4

The New York Yankees were unable to start their series against the division rival Baltimore Orioles on a good note losing 4-3. The loss moves the Yankees to (42-37) on the season, and are now 5.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East.

The offense for the Yankees got to T.J McFarland early to chase him out of the game after just going 2.2 innings. McFarland gave up three runs on seven hits, and one walk before his early exit. Robinson Cano got the Yankees on the board in the first inning with an RBI base hit that scored Brett Gardner, who was on base after a lead off double. The Yankees would knock McFarland out of the game before finishing the third inning, as Vernon Wells had a RBI base hit which scored Jayson Nix, and then Chris Stewart had a RBI base hit that scored Robinson Cano. The third inning however would be the last time the Yankees scored on Friday night.

Yankees Get Come From Behind Victory Against Rays

nytimes.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

June 22^nd, 2013

Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Rays 5 Yankees 7

The New York Yankees were able to win their second straight game against the Tampa Bay Rays, this time in come from behind fashion to ensure at worst a split in the four-game series. The win moves the Yankees to (41-33), which is three games behind the Red Sox for first place.

C.C. Sabathia's woes against the Rays continued on Saturday afternoon, but with a lot of run support, Sabathia was able to notch his eighth victory of the season. Evan Longoria got the Rays on the board in the second inning off of Sabathia, which was Longoria's 17^th of the season, and third of the series. The big hit off Sabathia came in the sixth inning, as rookie Wil Meyers hit a Grand Slam off of Sabathia, which made it a 5-3 game, and was Meyers' first home run since being called up. Sabathia finished going seven innings allowing five runs on six hits, and two walks.

Yankees Avoid Sweep with Victory Over Angels

espn.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

June 16th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels Post Game Recap 

Final Score: Yankees 6 Angels 5

The New York Yankees were able to avoid a second straight sweep on the West Coast with a 6-5 win on Sunday afternoon against the Los Angeles Angels. The Yankees finished their West Coast swing going (4-6), and are now (38-31) on the season, and three games behind the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East.

The offense for the Yankees finally woke up a bit against Jered Weaver, who was handed his third loss of the season. Travis Hafner hit a three-run homerun in the third inning to get the Yankees an early lead, as it was Hafner’s 11th homerun of the season. The Yankees wouldn’t be done in the third inning, as Lyle Overbay getting the start at First Base for the injured Mark Teixeira had a RBI double to score Vernon Wells, and then Overbay was knocked in by a base hit from Jayson Nix, in what was a five-run third inning for the Yankees.