New York Yankees Turn on the Jets Late, Split Double-Header

As the Yankees broke their first three game losing streak of the season, Phil Hughes just kept on rolling.

After a Brett Gardner single and steal of second in the first inning, Alex Rodriguez singled him in with two outs. In the third with one out, Derek Jeter walked and stole second, and was driven in by Mark Teixeira , again with two outs.

Meanwhile, it was smooth sailing for Phil Hughes right along through seven. The Yanks broke it open in the eighth as Robinson Cano led off and was hit by a pitch. After a Randy Winn fielder’s choice, Greg Golson got the first hit of his big league career. Francisco Cervelli followed with an RBI single, followed by a walk to Ramiro Peña to load the bases. Jim Leyland proceeded to remove Phil Coke and bring in Figaro. Singles from Gardner and Teixeira broke the game open to 6-0, and Alex Rodriguez added an RBI double. Teixeira scored on a Figaro wild pitch to make the game 8-0.

Mariano Rivera finished off the game with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Notes

• Derek Jeter went 0-for-4 with 2 runs scored, dropping his season average to .270
• Brett Gardner went 3-for-5, with an RBI and two runs scored
• Mark Teixeira went 2-for-5 with 3 RBI, bringing his average back over .200 (.203)
• Alex Rodriguez went 2-for-5 with a double and 2 RBI
• Robinson Cano went 0-for-3 with a walk
• Nick Swisher went 0-for-3
• Marcus Thames went 0-for-3 (3-for-13 vs RHP this season)
• Francisco Cervelli went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI
• Ramiro Peña went 0-for-3, dropping his average to .138
• Phil Hughes’ line: 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
• Joba Chamberlain’s line: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (15 pitches, 11 strikes)
• Mariano Rivera’s line: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K

UPDATE: Nick Swisher left the game early due to tight biceps, and is listed day-to-day

Thoughts

• It’s really incredible how Brett Gardner has gone from a sub-par/par outfielder to a vital part of the Yankee lineup in just one offseason. He’s batting .337 and has proven to be able to perform at the top or bottom of the lineup. He saw 27 pitches (by far the most of all Yankees) and didn’t walk! And although we knew the speed would be there, it is hard to believe that the Yankees have a contender to lead the league in stolen bases (Rickey Henderson was the last in 1988).
• Phil Hughes moved to 5-0 and dropped his ERA to 1.38. After throwing over 40 pitches through 2 innings, he finished seven with only 101 pitches (71 strikes). He’s moved into the early Cy Young talks.
• Joba looked great in the eighth inning yet again. His slider was filthy tonight as well, topping out at 90 mph (?!). I hope everyone can agree that he should stay in this role for now.

Lines of the Day

I thought I’d split the lines of the day to two deserving Yanks:

Phil Hughes’ line: 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K

Brett Gardner: 3-for-5, RBI, 2 R, SB

Quote of the Day

“He’s made some huge strides for us,” manager Joe Girardi said. “We expected him to be a good starting pitcher coming out of spring training, but I think he has exceeded even what we were hoping we’d get.” Amen.

Up Next

• @ Detroit, Thursday, May 13: LHP CC Sabathia (4-1, 3.04) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (3-2, 4.50)

Around the AL East

• Toronto 3, Boston 2
• Baltimore 5, Seattle 2
• Tampa Bay 4, Los Angeles 3

Related Stories

• April 22, 2010 -- Notes and Quotes: More on Hughes, the Bullpen, and the Lineup (0)
• March 2, 2010 -- 5 Yankees Spring Training Battles (4)
• February 20, 2010 -- Some Thoughts on the Fifth Starter Competition (10)
• December 21, 2009 -- Yankees, Cubs Talking Carlos Zambrano? (4)