YANKEES LEFT IN THE DARK IN LIFELESS EFFORT

Last night was a nightmare game for Yankees. They didn't get crushed, but they showed nothing.  What should have been the most important game for them in a 3 game series against Buck and the Baltimore Orioles became another loss as they see their lead in the AL East shrinking. This is a game that we all need to forget about. Also, understand this... the Yankees have been struggling but I do believe once ARod and Mark Teixeira are back in the lineup there will be major change. Both of their presence helps the whole team.

Hiroki Kuroda wasn't as sharp as he usually last night. The Orioles got to him in the 2nd inning as the inning started off with singles by Jones and Matt Wieters, then Chris Davis hit a sac fly which scored Jones. Mark Reynolds followed that with a long home run which put Baltimore up 3-0. After that, Kuroda settled down but in the 6th, he gave up a solo home run to JJ Hardy.

The Yankees threatened in the bottom half of the 6th but their runners in scoring position struggles continue. Miguel Gonzalez, who was excellent for Balitmore, buckled down to get out of trouble. Mark Reynolds hit his 2nd home run of the game in the 9th and Nick Markakis hit an RBI single which lengthened their lead and put the game out of hand. Curtis Granderson got the Yankees on the scoreboard in the 9th but that was not nearly enough as the Orioles would hold on to win Game 1 of the most important series of the season for both teams... 6-1. The Yankees need to come back today and get a victory.

Keys of the Game: The Yankees had a textbook rally going in the 6th but their RISP struggles set the tone for the game.

Key player of the Game: Mark Reynolds. Mark Reynolds had two home runs tonight for 3 RBI's and scored half of the Orioles runs.

Final: Orioles- 6 Yankees- 1

W: Gonzalez (6-3) L: Kuroda (12-10)

If anyone is interested here are the 6 players that will be called up tomorrow: Catcher Francisco Cervelli, Infielder Eduardo Nunez, Outfielder Chris Dickerson, and pitchers Cory Wade, Adam Warren, and Justin Thomas. 

--Sam Thaler, BYB Contributor
Twitter: @samt1836



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