YANKEES WERE CLOSE, BUT NO CIGAR

It always stinks when the Yankees come real close, but can't finish it off to get the big win.  But that's baseball, last night they were close... but no cigar.

The Yankees came from behind to tie the game in the ninth, but the Athletics had a comeback of their own in the bottom of the ninth to win the game. Robinson Cano provided the late inning theatrics, as he launched a home run in the ninth inning off closer Ryan Cook, who earned his fourth blown save of the year. Earlier in the game, Robbie extended his hitting streak to 23 games on a slow grounder through the left side of the infield for a single. This allows him to claim sole possession of the longest hitting streak in the Majors for 2012.

 

Tommy Milone had a strong outing as he recorded a career-high ten strikeouts through seven shutout innings of work, throwing first-pitch strikes for 24 of the 26 batters he faced. Ivan Nova kept the game close, as he struck out seven through 6 2/3 innings, stranding 14 runners while getting out of several jams.

Nova kept the homer-happy Athletics in the ballpark, but was victimized by five extra base hits. They say that half of all lead off walks come around to score. Lead-off extra-base hits, even more so. The first two runs that the Athletics scored were because of lead off extra-base hits, as Nova maintained his American League lead for extra base hits surrendered. There is definitely room for improvement here. Otherwise, he looked strong. On a side note, it was nice to see coach Tony Pena hold him accountable for a ground ball that he gave up on, allowing Eric Sogard to reach first. Every out is important.

Nick Swisher suffered a mild hip flexor strain as he ran down to first in the top of the seventh, subsequently being replaced by Raul Ibanez. We are already platooning in left field with Ibanez and Andruw Jones, neither of which was expected to play every day. We hope that Swish will not be out too long.

Honorable mention: Russell Martin showed some power as he went deep on Jerry Blevins in the top of eighth, cutting the lead in half at the time. Robertson held them there, giving the Yankees the opportunity to tie the game in the ninth. 

Final Score: Athletics 3, Yankees 2

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Writer




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