Yankees-Reds: Dan Giese Has Strong Debut, But Not Good Enough to Win

In a long afternoon Saturday, the New York Yankees were shut out by the Cincinnati Reds 6-0.

The Yankees could not have asked for a better game from Dan Giese, who made his first Major League start. Giese pitched 6.2 innings, allowed three unearned runs on just four hits, walked no one and struck out five.

The Reds' Daryl Thompson also tossed an impressive game in his Major League debut. Thompson threw five innings, allowed no runs on four hits, walked four and struck out two.

The Bombers passed up a golden opportunity to blow the game open in the bottom of the second. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Thompson struck out Yankee catcher Jorge Posada, and then got Robinson Cano to foul out to the catcher. Then in Houdini-like fashion, Thompson fanned Melky Cabrera to escape the inning.

With the game scoreless in the top of the seventh, the Yankees were unable to hold it together. Giese almost got out of the inning with a double play, but he made a throwing error while attempting to turn two.

Giese struck out Adam Dunn, but then he surrendered a two-run single to Edwin Encarnacion, giving the Reds a 2-0 lead. 

Giese left the game and Jose Veras came on in relief. Veras has been outstanding in his last few outings, but he gave up a two-run home run to Corey Patterson, giving the Reds a 4-0 lead after seven innings of play. 

Cincinnati tacked on another two runs in the top of the eighth, giving themselves a comfortable 6-0 cushion.

The Bombers were unable to mount any offense, as the Reds' bullpen held up and the Yankees lost their second game in as many days.

Cincinnati reliever Bill Bray got the win and is 2-0 on the year. Although Giese pitched effectively and economically, he picked up the loss and is now 1-2. David Weathers also recorded his seventh hold this year. 

Tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 ET, Andy Pettitte (7-5, 4.29 ERA) will look to salvage the final game of this three-game set for the Yankees. On the mound for the Reds will be Johnny Cueto (5-7, 5.19 ERA).