FREDDY STRUGGLES AS YANKEES DROP 1ST GAME IN OAKLAND

The Yankees came into this game with the best record in baseball, a 10-game lead, and having won 11 of the last 12 games in Oakland. However, the Athletics had momentum of their own, having won 10 of their last 12 games, and they came ready to play some aggressive baseball.

Freddy Garcia did not seem to have his curveball, as it was hammered for a 2-run home run by Yoenis Cespedes in the first inning. Unfortunately, his other pitches were not much better as Oakland hitters continued to reach base against him, taking a 4-0 lead by the third inning. However, he seemed to settle down, keeping the Yankees in the game and giving them a chance to win.

The Athletics' A.J. Griffin mixed his pitches well, keeping the Yankee batters uncharacteristically ineffective, at one point retiring eight batters in a row. However, we all started to think about pitch counts as he started to lose it after his 75th pitch, with the Yankees cutting the deficit in half.

David Phelps came in the bottom of the sixth and got a key out to keep us within two runs. He finished out the game, looking like his good old self, striking out four in 2 1/3 innings. 

Alex Rodriguez has adjusted his stride, and it seems to be paying off. He went 2 for 4, with a pair of singles and a fly out that was loud and long. Here's to hoping he can finally end the funk he's in and bring terror to the hearts of opposing pitchers.

Of course, we have to mention that Robinson Cano extended his hitting streak to 22 games. I have often thought that this is one of those records that will never be broken. Nevertheless, it's fun to watch, and I am excited to see how far this will go.

Nick Swisher got his 14th home run of the season to keep our 3-runs or more streak going for the 43rd straight game. However, it was still one run short. Final Score: Athletics 4, Yankees 3.

In other news, the Yankees appear to have lost Brett Gardner for the season due to his injured elbow requiring arthroscopic surgery. Read about it HERE.

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Writer







 
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