It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This…
The thrill of victory…
Kathy Willens/AP
It’s always nice when the Yankees can snatch a win from the jaws of defeat. After blowing early 5-0 and 6-1 leads, the Yankees found themselves looking up to the Boston Red Sox on the scoreboard at 9-7 in the 9th inning. On a night when Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson were unavailable, the bullpen was horrific. Phil Hughes was not good in his worst start of the season, but he left with a lead which the Yankees failed to keep. Chan Ho Park, forced to go two innings by the depleted pen and fresh off the DL, gave up two home runs to give Boston its 2-run advantage headed into the 9th inning. With the Red Sox threatening to score in the top of the 9th with two outs, manager Joe Girardi called on Javier Vazquez to secure the final out. He was up to the task, as he struck out Kevin Youkilis with runners at first and third.
Antonelli/New York Daily News
So, the drama was set for the bottom of the 9th. Brett Gardner doubled to start the inning, and was on third following a fly out when Alex Rodriguez came to the plate. He jumped on the first pitch and deposited the ball in the left center seats to tie the game.
Mike Segar/Reuters
The next hitter (Robinson Cano) flied out for the second out, but Francisco Cervelli was hit by a pitch to bring Marcus Thames up for his opportunity. The man who homered off of Randy Johnson for his first major league home run found this night would be the most magical of his career. There was no doubt when Thames blasted Jonathan Papelbon’s pitch to left for the game-winning, walk-off two-run home run. No pies were safe following the game…
Sipkin/New York Daily News
It was a great night, and a very much needed win following the meltdown against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday (when Mariano Rivera gave up a bases-loaded walk followed by a grand slam to lose the game). It was tremendous to see Marcus Thames have his moment at the Stadium and for Javy Vazquez to get the win with just four pitches.
AP
Today’s game, the conclusion of the two-game series, pits Josh Beckett against CC Sabathia. It should be a thrilling game! But then again, aren’t they all at Yankee Stadium? J
Wager Score: Scott 1, Julia 0! And oh yeah Julia, the Los Angeles Lakers won!
LA Times
Fid
You said it: drama! I don’t remember a game with more of that. It seemed like every pitch was do or die. I’m worn out and we still have tonight and then the Rays. Must rest up!
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