IBANEZ GOES BIG WITH GRAND SLAM IN THE BRONX

It was another nail-biter tonight! What looked like a game that could go into extra innings ended in dramatic homerun fashion like you would expect from this Yankees team. This game had a little bit of everything, great defense, tough pitching, and Raul Ibanez putting the GRAND in Grand Slam during the 8th inning, but more on that shortly.

Pitching is what wins games, and after yesterday’s tough loss it was time for a rebound and Phil Hughes delivered. His line looked like this: 7IP, 4H, 2ER, 3BB. I thought Phil looked good out there, he seemed so confident on the mound despite having some control issues. Phil struggled falling behind hitters but he was able to finish off hitters and kept the Blue Jays to only 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position. Phil looks like he is really coming around, he has given up three runs or less in his last four starts.

Russell Martin had another good hit tonight. In the 2nd inning he hit a solo shot off of Alvarez, maybe that shorter swing is helping….let’s hope it’s a sign of things to come!

ARod also had some good at bats tonight despite suffering from a stiff neck. He went 2-for 4 tonight and also scored. One can only hope that this is the start of the second half of the season that we are predicting him to dominate. Girardi did say that he is dealing with a stiff neck and will probably continue to DH for the time being….gotta keep him healthy!

Robbie Cano continued his hot hitting going 2 for 3 tonight with a double. Most importantly he has hit in 19 consecutive games which is a career high for him. He also flashed the leather on the field again assisting Tex in the top of the 8th. Tex dove for a ball but couldn’t come up with it. Robbie did though, and made a nice flip to Robinson who was able to beat Colby Rasmus to the bag.

What can you say about Raul Ibanez? He’s been a force to recon with this year. Ibanez is the definition of a clutch hitter, this season he is 13-for-37 when the Yankees are in the 7th inning or later or down by a run and that’s HUGE. After five straight fast balls, Ibanez got the pitch he was waiting for with the bases loaded and took Frasor out of the park. That Grand Slam also made the Yankees the leaders in the Grand Slam category this year….but that isn’t surprising, right?

Rafael Soriano came in again to save the game during the 9th inning. After making things a little interesting with two runners on base, Soriano finally got the last out and securing his 23rd save opportunity.


Again, Final tonight Yankees 6 - Blue Jays 3.

Tomorrow is the long awaited day where CC Sabathia returns to the mound! It’s been awhile since we have seen him so it will be interesting to see how he has recovered. Stay tuned!

--Jeana Bellezza --BYB Writer and Editor

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