Source: FanGraphs
Pretty safe to say the Blue Jays were hoping for better than one win in their first five games against the Yankees. New York won the second game of the four-game set 6-4 on Friday night, once again coming from behind. They were only down one run for a half-inning through, so it’s the smallest possible comeback really. They all count though. Let’s recap…
- The Long Man: Ivan Nova left the game after two innings with right elbow pain, giving way to David Phelps for what might have been the best outing of his young career. The right-hander faced 15 batters and struck out a career-high nine, otherwise surrendering two hits (including a solo homer) and two walks in four innings of work. Phelps threw 77 pitches (44 strikes), including a career-high 12 swings and misses. He really stepped up in relief and is all but guaranteed to take Nova’s rotation spot if he misses any time.
- Six Runs, Six Different Ways: The Yankees scored six runs and only once did they score more than one run in an inning, and that was just two in the fourth. The attack was diverse, with an RBI fielder’s choice (Eduardo Nunez in the second), a sacrifice fly (Vernon Wells in the third), an RBI triple (Lyle Overbay in the fourth), a run-scoring wild pitch (Overbay scored in the fourth), a run-scoring passed ball (Robinson Cano scored in the eighth), and a solo homer (Brett Gardner in the eighth). Everyone in the lineup except for Nunez and Overbay reached base twice thanks to ten (!) total walks. Toronto pitchers threw 165 total pitches but only 85 strikes (52%).
- Leftovers: In case you missed it earlier, the Yankees lost Frankie Cervelli (fractured right hand) fir at least six weeks … David Robertson allowed a solo homer to Jose Bautista and Mariano Rivera allowed three ground ball singles (no runs), but otherwise those two plus Joba Chamberlain closed things out over the final three innings in relief of Nova and Phelps … Chris Stewart came off the bench to replace Cervelli and wound up drawing two walks and throwing out two attempted base-stealers. Neither was particularly close either.
MLB.com has the box score and video highlights, FanGraphs some other stats, and ESPN the updated standings. The Yankees will go for their third consecutive win on Saturday when CC Sabathia gets the ball against fellow lefty J.A. Happ. Make sure you check out RAB Tickets if you want to catch the game. If tonight’s attendance was any indication, there are plenty of good seats to be had.
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