Now that one was a surprise and confirmed the old adage, “You can’t predict baseball.” I mean would you have guessed that Hughes would out-duel Verlander? Even though Verlander hasn’t been as Verlander-ish this season? And that Hughes would pitch a complete game on top of it?
Amazing. And much needed. He not only pitched well but saved the bullpen. Bravo, Phil.
And then there was A-Rod. In the last post, I ranted that he should be hitting the kind of bombs that Cabrera hit and – lo and behold – that’s what he did. He must have heard me. Great job by Jeter too, getting us on the scoreboard. When the Yankees hit home runs, they win ballgames. Do I like this quirk? No. But I’ll take the game win and the series win. Bravo, A-Rod and Jeter.
In the end, even after all the bitching and moaning and worrying, the road trip was a very good one. Bravo, boys.
Four words:
Makes up for yesterday.
I feel better.
So true, Sean. What a difference a day makes.
I had determined not to run my Sunday around the Yankee game and left for my bike ride around noon (I also had to work around an iffy weather forecast.) When I got home it was after 2 p.m. and by the time I turned on the television it was the top of the fifth inning. What a pleasant surprise to see the Yankees up 3-1 and to be there later when they made it 5-1! Jeter starting the game off with a homerun on the first pitch off Verlander – priceless! Set the standard for the rest of the boys. And to see Phil Hughes in total control, striking out Cabrerra twice (at least that I saw – maybe it was more?) and just looking cool and confident out there – fantastic! A great game, a great comeback after the disappointment that was Saturday night and a great road trip. Now we come home and take on Tampa Bay – time to take first place and never look back.
Oh yeah. Nice finish. And Hughes Disappointment becomes Hughes Surprise!
Won’t see much this week, going off to the beach. Two Yanks fans and two haters. Hoping for continued success comin’ back home. What a TIGHT bunch of grapes be these AL East teams!! (NL East, too…)
not sure what surprised me more–verlander being ordinary or phil pitching a complete game.
what sean said. part of why i was so upset with saturday was i knew we’d lose sunday.
i too didn’t rush to watch the start of the game since i thought it would be a dud.
that was fun and gives a way better off day!
Can’t complain about Sunday’s game at all, Jane. Our boys did everything right. The expression on Hughes’ face was wonderful — he always shows his emotions clearly and he was obviously relieved to have such a good outing. 4 hits in 9 full innings…that was great.
Going back to the weekend, you can see why I hate when the games are not broadcast on YES or at least on My9 – games aired on Channel 5 are almost always an “L” for The Yankees and I feel and hear in the broadcasters voices that they want the other team to win.
Finally, Saturday was friend of mine’s birthday – she’s a huge Mets fan – and so she decided to go to The Mets game to celebrate…so she obviously had A Lot to celebrate. I’m happy for her and for The Mets but they’re coming to Yankee Stadium this weekend and I want a sweep…by The Yankees. GO YANKEES!!!
It sure did put me in a better mood, Sean, but I’m still muttering over Saturday’s game and hoping the offense will win games without having to hit a homer.
What a nice idea, Audrey, taking over first from the Rays. They’ve played us tough and Madden gets crazy with his shifts, so I hope the Yanks are ready this time.
Very tight race in the AL East, Dave. I wouldn’t be surprised if it stayed that way at least until the All-Star break.
The bigger surprise for me was Hughes, Barbara. Verlander hasn’t been himself this season, so I wasn’t totally shocked when he looked vulnerable. But Hughes? Wow. When he made it past the sixth inning I was amazed, so to see him pitch a complete game was a miracle.
I’m with you on the Mets, Diane. I’m happy for them and their fans that they had Santana’s no-hitter and Dickey’s great game and all the rest, but when we play them? No mercy!
As much as I’m not a fan of A Rod, great players always find a way!
I just hope he stays “great,” Mark. He’s got a looong contract.