In a 3 game set no 2 games could be more different. From the Rays crushing performance the night before to the Yankees rebound and pitcher’s duel tonight. The score does not really indicate how close this game actually was.
AJ Burnett and Matt Garza battled through 2 tough lineups all game long. Burnett pitched a no hitter through 6 innings while Garza allowed only 2 ER in his 7 inning pitched. The Yankee staff accumulated 12 K’s while the Rays staff came close to a match at 10 K’s. An impressive point about Garza’s performance I’d like to mention happened in the very first inning. In the first inning the Yankees loaded the bases with no outs and Matt came back to allow only 1 run.
Carl Crawford broke up the no hitter with a single in the 7th with 1 out. A single by Evan Longoria sent CC to 3rd. Another single by Carlos Pena sent CC to the plate and Longo to 3rd. The Rays then tied the game with a sacrifice fly by Pat Burrell to score Longo.
The bullpen took over for the Rays in the 8th and Yankees blew the doors off this game. JP Howell took the loss in this game by allowing 1 ER. Dan Wheeler was not able to hold the game to a 1 run difference by allowing 4 hits and 4 ER in the 9th. So, to this point in the season, it would appear the Achilles heal of the Rays is the bullpen. Howell has an ERA close to 5, Wheeler is 12.00 and Balfour is over 20.00! Obviously for the Rays to be successful something will have to give in the BP.
This was a well fought pitcher’s duel that was a joy to watch! The Trop was rocking and everyone was having a great time. Kudos to the Rays Front Office on the replica ring giveaway – these rings are HOT!
Another stellar pitching match up this afternoon with Andy Sonnanstine going against Andy Pettitte. Remember – game time is 4:05 today!
See you at The Trop!
