THE YANKEES REALITY CHECK

Well. That was brutal.

The boys faced the Mets last night in the final game of the Subway Series. A series they had already lost. For whatever reason, the pinstriped pitchers chose this week to implode, just as Yankee bats went cold.

But tonight would be different. Last night they faced Dillon Gee, who had 2-6 record and 6.34 ERA. Sure they lose the Series but they would get back on the winning track and face the surging Sox on the right foot. Right?

Wrong. Dillon Gee chose to pitch one of the best games of his career. He went 7.1 innings and rang up 12 Ks. He allowed one run, a solo shot to Robinson Cano, and stranded every other Yankee hitter. His ERA last night was 1.23.

Meanwhile, Mets bats struck almost as early as the previous night. Marlon Byrd swatted a two run dinger in the second. In the 8th, Joba Chamberlain topped 98 mph on his fastball, but was wild. Mets runners advanced to second and third when Austin Romine lost the handle on one. John Buck subsequently slapped a slow roller that scored the Mets’ third run.

So. Disappointing Subway Series. Where to start with what went wrong? Hard to do. David Phelps imploded; Mariano Rivera zapped with authority; Vernon Wells ice cold; Jayson Nix with defensive bobbles; Reid Brignac bringing a good glove but not quite a bat.

It’s easier to talk about the silver linings. Brett Gardner has a seven game hit streak going and was super impressive defensively, you’ve seen his catches. Ivan Nova gave a glimmer of hope in relief during game three; Robinson is still very much a Cano.

And, perhaps it is best the Yankees get slapped now. A wake up call is a good thing. Perhaps we were all strutting a bit much. I know I was. The team is held together with spit and bailing wire. The wheels came off this week in a big way. With a closer look, it’s a wonder they didn’t fall off long ago.

The Mets gave the Yankees a reality check. A wake up call. A slap in the face. A huge warning not to get complacent. The Red Sox arrive tonight to determine the leader of the Division. Let’s hope this splash of cold water brings the Yankees back to life.

Mets sweep the Yankees in the Subway Series. Don’t look away from it. Let it sink in. Let it make you angry. Don’t get complacent again.

Final score tonight: Mets 3 - Yankees 1


 
Chad R. MacDonald
BYB Writer
Facebook: New York Yankees the Home of Champions
My Blog: ChadRants


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