COSTLY WIN FOR YANKEES TODAY

(Andy Pettitte leaving mound in 5th inning today after a hard line drive bounces off his ankle)

The New York Yankees completed a sweep of the Cleveland Indians this afternoon winning 5-4.  The win gives the Bronx Bombers 5 wins in a row and increases their lead on top of the AL East.  But looking at the Yankee dugout after the game, the mood certainly was not a festive one.

Earlier in the day we reported that CC Sabathia was placed on the 15 Day DL with a pulled groin that he suffered against the Mets last week.  Certainly bad news for the Yankees and their fans, but, believe it or not, the news gets worse.  Today's starter, Andy Pettitte left the game in the 5th after Indians' Casey Kotchman sent a hard liner off Pettitte's left ankle.  Pettitte tried to continue but immediately limped and almost fell after throwing just one live pitch.  Girardi immediately yanked Pettitte from the game to get his ankle checked out.  Well, by the time the 6th inning rolled around the Yankees diagnosed Pettitte with a fractured left ankle.  He will now be out a minimum 6 weeks. 

(Robinson Cano and Joe Girardi look on as Andy Pettitte tries to shake off the pain)

Just terrible news for Pettitte who was making an amazing comeback this season after returning from semi-retirement.  You just have to feel for the guy.  Lord only knows what Brian Cashman and the Yankees are going to do to "replace" our Ace of the staff, CC, and Pettitte, who has arguably been one of the best starters in the American League this year.  BYB will bring your further analysis and opinion on what the Yankees might do to somehow keep the Yankee boat afloat.

(Arod greets Cano at home after Cano's 2-run home run gives Yankees 4-3 lead)

In the meantime, yes, the Yankees did win today.  Pettitte was in cruise control for the 4 innings of work before getting hurt.  And despite the bullpen not looking 100% sharp today, pitched well enough to not allow the Indians to put a big inning together.  Although Cody Eppley came in and gave up the lead to the Indians, Robinson Cano hit his 18th home run of the year in the 6th with a man on second to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead and they never looked back.  Cano finished the day 3-4 with 2 RBI.  Meanwhile, Eric Chavez is quietly having a fantastic season for the Yanks.  Chavez went 2-3 with 3 RBI today.  After Eppley, Clay Rapada, Freddy Garcia and David Robertson held the Indians in check til the 9th when Rafael Soriano took over.  Soriano had a very shaky 9th, loading the bases and giving up 1 run but held on for his 17th Save of the season.

Bottom line, Yankees are winning and now must find a way to keep churning out wins.  The offense is really going to have to step up and our starters, whoever they are, will have to keep us in every game.  Once again, Yankees win this afternoon 5-4

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com
Twitter: @MikeyBlu23


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