Sweep Six-Cess: Yanks Broom Birds

Over the past four series for the New York Yankees it has been a case of sweep or be swept.  The Bombers took three from Minnesota and Detroit, while getting blanked themselves by the Los Angeles Angels and now the Baltimore Orioles become the latest casualty of broom ball. 

The O's who have now lost their last ten in the Bronx got pounced on early.  Derek Jeter got it started with a lined double to left-center.  Mark Teixeira followed with a single to center, setting things up for A-Rod who has been "hot-rod" of late, to drive in Jeter for the game's first run.  Robinson Cano kept the ball rolling literally, with a slow roller to second that Brian Roberts couldn't handle and it was 2-0 Yanks.  Then it was Nick Swisher plating two with a double, staking the Yanks out to a 4-0 advantage.  More on Swisher in a bit.

While A. J. Burnett picked up his 9th victory on the season tying him with CC Sabathia for the team lead, there were some moments of trepadation in the field.  In the 3rd Swisher dropped what looked to be a routine running catch.  However that same frame with runners on an two out, Swisher made an all out full extension backhand grab to seal the O's fate, while redeeming himself in the process.  Swisher also made another great grab up against the wall late in the ballgame.

In the bottom frame of the 3rd, Jorge Posada jumped all over Jason Berken, hitting a solo shot into the bullpen putting the Yanks in front 5-0.  The homer was Posada's 12th and his 11th from the left side.

From there Burnett kept on dealing, picking up six K's over seven innings of work, allowing only a sac fly and a third strike wild pitch to score for Baltimore.

The 8th inning was downright Philthy for the Yanks as Hughes was the news, recording a strikeout and double play for another scoreless frame. In the bottom of the 8th it was Posada again, delivering some insurance, this time from the right side pulling a double to the gap that plated A-Rod putting the Bombers up 6-2.

Brian Bruney came in for the 9th and what looked like smooth sailing turned ugly fast.  After striking out the first two O's, Bruney took an early birdbath as Adam Jones and Nick Markakis took him deep, causing the Yanks to have to bring in Mo.

And of course Mariano came in and did what Mariano does, mowing down Aubrey Huff for his 28th save in 29 opportunities, putting the Yanks 20 games over .500 for the first time in 2009.