After the Orioles 14-inning win over the Rays late yesterday afternoon, the pressure was on for the Yankees to keep pace, lest they lose their share of first place and fall into a tight wild card race. With Phil Hughes scheduled to start in the finale against the Red Sox last night, my confidence was nowhere to be found.
But Hughes proved this naysayer very wrong and pitched probably his best game of the season. The fact that he gave up no runs was great, but it paled in comparison to the fact that he gave up no home runs. His ERA is now, for only the second time this year, under 4.00. If he had pitched this game at Yankee Stadium, the place would have been saturated with cries of "Huuuuuuuuuuuuughes."
There's nothing more to say now except "Keep it moving." Phil Hughes has passed the baton, and CC Sabathia has to take it and run. The starters need to keep pitching well these final few weeks of the season. Someone who will help keep that line moving is Andy Pettitte, who returns to the rotation next Tuesday. His presence will go a long way in getting this pitching staff straightened out and headed in the right direction.
Go Andy, and go Yankees!
Other Notes:
* The Captain keeps rolling along. Even with a bone bruise Derek Jeter had an RBI single in last night's game, which tied him with Willie Mays on the hits list. Come on, let's hear it: "MVP, MVP, MVP..."
* The 2013 preliminary schedule has the Yankees and Mets playing a home-in-home series, a total of 4 games. I would rather it be 3 games in one building and then the 3 games in the other building not taking place until the following season. But, this is still better than it has been. Good job, MLB.
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