Barton Silverman/The New York Times
He did it all tonight against the Blue Jays – from his amazing defensive plays (is there a better left fielder in baseball right now?) to the display of power that put the Yankees into the ballgame to the double steal with Jeter. What an asset he’s been this season.
And how about Nova? I was a little worried when he got the ball up in the zone during the later innings, but then he came back in the seventh and pitched lights out – another great outing for him.
Did anyone notice how exhausted Curtis Granderson looked?
I know all the Yankees must have been dead tired after flying back from Boston so late and feeling the after effects from that bruising series, but Granderson’s eyes were like mine after a bout of insomnia.
Mo, too, had sort of a dazed expression. I wasn’t expecting to see him, given how many pitches he threw in last night’s ninth inning, but there he was doing his job. He needs to go right home and get plenty of sleep.
I was hoping Tex’s knee would make a miraculous recovery; Swisher did his best at first base, but he only reminds us how lucky we are to have Tex. Maybe he’ll be better tomorrow? Yeah, probably not.
Oh, one more thing. Is it me or did Eduardo Scissorhands play a very good second base tonight? I didn’t even have to hold my breath whenever the ball was hit to him.
Boston got pummeled by the Rangers, so we’re in good shape again. More, please, Yankees. Pour it on.
Tags: Blue Jays, Brett Gardner, Ivan Nova, Mariano Rivera, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, Yankees
I am getting to feel more confident with Nova on the mound that with CC. The youngster (at my age, everyone is a youngster) is doing great.
I agree about Gardner. He is proving his worth.
Nice game. While I can relax during a blow out, I still enjoy the excitement of a close game.
And finally, Robinson Cano came through when we needed it. His average is climbing (along with Jeter’s) and he, too, is proving his worth.
Yup, yup, yup…. First place, once again. And it feels so good!
I didn’t get to see any of the game, but I caught the important highlights online. I also happened to see that Boston fell behind pretty quick against the Rangers. Mwahaha…. Now we’ve got to see if Colon can keep things going from his last start against Baltimore. He ended up with the loss, but only gave up 2 runs and pitched into the eighth inning. CC will be in on Sunday, so if we can put together a few wins, maybe we’ll pick up another game or two on Boston. Get a little padding on this ‘lead’ before you leave East Coast living, Jane…
Mwahahahaha….!
http://yankeecase.mlblogs.com/
great defense is so much fun as is first place. i can’t believe it.
I’m never confident with anybody on the mound except CC, yankeefansince1941 – even with his recent struggles. He nearly always finds a way to grind out innings even when he doesn’t have his best stuff. Nova’s getting there for sure, but I can’t say he’s got CC’s unflappability. And oh is Cano proving his worth. Wow. What a player we’ve got.
I certainly hope Colon will keep things going today, YankeeCase. He did look sharper his last time out. And while I’d love some padding in the standings, I see this thing going down to the wire. But maybe we’ll still be in first when I fly off to the other coast on Tuesday. Could happen.
I agree, Barbara. Those catches were exciting!
I always sleep well when the Yankees win. I sleep real well when the Yankees win and the Red Sox lose!
Me too, John!
And thus goes the back and forth for tops in the AL East. You’re right about Tex. Swish is solid, but man, Tex makes the hardest plays look easy.
It took an earthquake and a hurricane, but for now, things are back where they should be.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/?tcid=mm_mlb_standings&c_id=atl
my boston globe sports section has the sox in first by 1/2 with the streak column showing the sox as having won their last game and the Yankees as having won their last two. the scores shows Boston 10, Texas 0 in last night’s game. i guess someone couldn’t deal with reality and decided to print their own.
Yup, back and forth, Jeff. The teams are pretty evenly matched, so I think it’ll come down to who’s healthier. Not having Tex in the lineup hurts.
For now, Melissa. Have you seen our lineup today? Kind of thin. Glad A-Rod’s back but I hope it’s at 100%. Sounds like Tex’s knee is not better. Or not better enough.
The Boston Globe needs a reality check, Barbara!
Woohoo! Montero with that first major league hit! What sweet devine intervention that I was able to actually sneak in my first break at work in more than a week and catch it!
Very sweet that he got that first hit – and at Yankee Stadium too, YankeeCase. Glad you were able to see it!