Game Two: Yankees Defeat the Red Sox 6-4

The Yankees needed this win in order to stay with the pack in the AL East. This game was very important.

Of course there are 160 games left and we don't know what the impact of some of those games will be on the playoff picture. But game two in Fenway was where the Yankees had to address some of their weaknesses from game one. 

CC Sabathia struggled in game one. AJ Burnett entered his first start of the season with a horrible reputation against the Red Sox. Joe Girardi also would like to see how Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson would do against lefties. The eighth inning role would also have to be addressed should the Yankees have a slim lead. 

In fact, the Yankees entered the eighth inning with a one run lead. The players of the game were the Yankees bullpen. They pitched four inning and gave up no runs and two hits. Aceves, Robertson, Marte, and Joba were the most valuable players of the innings.

But Joba Chamberlain is the one guy that gave fans a glimpse of the superstar reliever that he has as a rookie in 2007. He struck out Adrian Beltre and JD Drew back-to-back in the eighth inning. 

The game was over as Mariano Rivera entered the game in the ninth and shut the door to earn the save. He gave up a hit to Marco Scutaro, but rebounded by sitting Dustin Pedroia down with just one pitch.

One notable play during the game was the bases loaded walk to Nick Johnson in the eighth inning that gave the Yankees a run, that would eventually win the game. 

Summary

MVP of the Game—The Yankees Bullpen (Specifically Joba Chamberlain RHP)

Play of the Game—Nick Johnson's bases loaded walk. 

Least Valuable Player—David Ortiz (Red Sox DH)

Final Score: Yankees 6—Red Sox 4

Winning Pitcher: A. Aceves (1-0)

Losing Pitcher: H. Okajima (1-1)

Save: M. Rivera (1)