Tagged: The Drama Club
Swishy Saves the Day Once Again
Yanks Avoid Sweep and Win in Walkoff Fashion
I always liked the Orioles. I always felt that they had some of the cutset players in the league, such as Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Luke Scott, and my new favorite Brian Matusz. And when they started playing better, I thought they were even cuter. But they weren’t too cute when they were beating my Yankees. A Yankees loss yesterday would have been devastating, especially since the Yankees haven’t lost 4 in a row yet this year. And looking ahead to the series against the Rangers, I didn’t have good thoughts: I was thinking the Yankees would be swept. Javy Vazquez would pitch game 1, A.J. Burnett game 2. And Moseley, who has been pretty okay, would go up against Cliff Lee in game 3…which hisn’t fair. So if the Yankees lost that finale, that would have made it a 4 game slide…and my calculations of them being swept in Texas would mean a 7 games slide. I don’t want my Yankees to lose like the Padres. The Orioles finale was crucial..a loss in that game would have been heartbreaking….but it wasn’t meant to be.
I stayed home from school yesterday – and it was all because of my Yankees. My grade was going on some kayaking and hiking trip so we could “bond as a senior class.” LOL. We’ve been together for 13 years…if we haven’t “bonded” by now, we never will. When I realized that the game on the day of the trip was a day game, a lightbulb went off: “Hmm…we aren’t going to do any work in school…and the Yankees play in the day…what’s the harm in skipping that day?”
The best part was, my parents didn’t even object.
I let my Fan-dom take over yesterday. I skipped for my Yankees. It was crucial that they won.
Ivan Nova started for the Yanks, and boy he was good….he’s really something. He made just 1 mistake…and I thought it was going to cost him. With a 3-0 count, Nova laid a cookie right over the plate for Matt Wieters, who didn’t miss it. That 2-run homer changed the whole complexion of the game, and gave the O’s a 2-1 lead.
For some reason, Brad Bergesen was unhittable yesterday…6.1 innings, 4 hits, and 1 run, courtesy of a Brett Gardner RBI double. He deserves some credit. But also, the Yankee bats were pretty dead yesterday. The at-bats were disgusting. The game was a little boring, and honestly, I was frustrated. I was beginning to wonder if I skipped school for no reason.
At least the pitching was good. Nova made just that one mistake, but otherwise he was splendid. David Robertson, Boone Logan, and Joba Chamberlain were lights-out. The fact that they were pitching so well gave me a teeny bit of hope that maybe, just maybe, the Yankees would come back.
In the 9th, A-Rod singled. Tying run on base…
With 1 out, it was Swisher’s turn. He got ahead in the count, just like he always did, and he got a good pitch to hit. And much like Matt Wieters, he was ready for it. Swish put a good swing on it, and drove it deep to left field. Deep….AND GONE! Nick Swisher has 1/2 of the Yankees’s walkoffs this year. That home run changed everything. Watching him round the bases almost brought tears to my eyes. He was limping…his knee still hurts from the other day. He’s so tough, and such a great guy. As usual, Nick Swisher proudly received his pie in the face. He’s enjoying every minute in pinstripes.
Nick, I’m enjoying every minute with you. I hope you will be a career Yankee…because I’d hate to see you on any other team.
Thank you, Nick Swisher, for this Drama Club win. Hopefully, this is the start of another long winning streak.
Winning Without Me
Drama Club Steals the Show from Lee and the Rangers
I want to kill my TV. It sucks. Seriously, I’ve had enough with it. It just doesn’t work anymore. Maybe it’s because I always throw my shoes at it….
Maybe, but I don’t think that’s the main reason. Our TV is a dinosaur. I’m not kidding, our TV is 24 year old Zenith. It’s big and beautiful – the screen is embedded into the piece, and it’s like a piece of furniture.
Exactly like this one! Only with mine, it’s hard to watch baseball.
So last night, we put the YES Network on around 7:30 and listened to the pregame while we ate dinner. Then around 7:50, the picture and sound were gone. Oh great. And of course, it didn’t come back. The clock said 8:07, and I was itching to see my Yankees. But no. tHe picture was gone.
The cable guy says it’s not because the TV is old, it’s because the cable lines are either filled with water, or get this: the SQUIRRELS are chewing them.
I think we just need a new TV.
Anyway, of course the YES Network was dead last night, but the stupid movie channels worked. And of course, my Dad found the perfect thing to watch on my favorite channel: Encore Westerns. God help me.
All of a sudden, I hear my older brother, who was downstairs on the computer, scream. My Dad asked him what was wrong, and he said, “THEY SUUUCK. Javier gave up a home run.”
Yankees down a run….and facing Cliff Lee…then I wasn’t so sure if I wanted to watch the game, even if the TV would let me.
Eventually, my parents went to bed, leaving me and my little brother with control over the TV. No more westerns!
We tried the YES Network again, and it worked…but I lost my desire to watch. The score was 6-1 Rangers.
So we switched it over to our favorite movie, Tropic Thunder. If you’ve never seen it, I suggest you do. Nonstop laughter, and there’s actually a plot!
Through our intense laughter, we heard clapping from downstairs. After pulling ourselves together, Tommy and I yelled to Bobby, “Hey! What’s going on down there?”
Turns out, the Yankees scored.
Okay, so they scored…but could they really come back from this huge deficit?
Every once in awhile, we would switch back to YES. In the 8th, we saw Marcus Thames rounding the bases. He hit a home run? And then we noticed the score: 6-5???
Are they seriously coming back?
When the game reached the 9th inning, we decided to watch. Luckily, we saw the good stuff: With 2 men on and the infield in, Derek Jeter hit a bouncing ball through for a base hit! That tied the game at 6.
After Nick Swisher struckout again, it was up to Marcus Thames. And again, Thames delivered a solid base hit through the left side, giving the Yankees their first lead of the night: 7-6.
Mariano made things too close for comfort in the bottom of the 9th, surrendering a leadoff triple. But there was no way Mo was going to lose the game 2 nights in a row. So the Great Mariano did his thing, and that runner didn’t move. YANKEES WIN 7-6!
I never in a million years thought they would win it last night. I mean, the team has looked so dead for the past few days. But I guess last night was different. The heroes for this victory are the guys that I saw win it for the Yanks: Jeet, Mo, and Marcus Thames.
When the Yankees got Marcus Thames in the offseason, I didn’t think much of it. I celebrated over getting Granderson and Vazquez. But in reality, little Mr. Marcus Thames has proved to be the best acquisition the Yankees added this year. He doesn’t play much, but when he does, he contributes. I hope they keep him.
With an ever-so-slim 1.5 game lead in the AL East, I’m hoping the Yankees can sweep the Kansas City Royals and gain a little ground. And hopefully, I’ll be able to actually watch them do it.
GO YANKEEEEEEES!!!!!!!
What the Bombers are All About
Yanks Even Series in Tampa Bay
Last night’s game 2 win insured that the Yankees will leave Tampa Bay in first place where they belong. Ahh…that’s so comforting. I didn’t see game 1 of this series, and I’m glad I didn’t. I would have gotten too angry that they lost 3-2 and got just 1 hit after the first inning. But I don’t have to think about that, because game 2 had the desired results: Yankees win. It was another close game, but this time the Bombers came out on top 5-4.
Pitching Analysis: I’m so happy the trade deadline is over and Javier Vazquez is still on the team. I was afraid he would be dealt for someone like Jayson Werth. Thank GOD that didn’t happen. Javy has had the lowest ERA of all Yankee starters since May 12. I hoped this trend of success would continue last night. Javy battled, but he was good. He gave up a few leads, but managed to limit the damage and keep the Rays from a big inning. Vazquez threw 6.1 innings and allowed 4 runs on 8 hits.
The bullpen was absolutely FABULOUS last night. The combo of David Robertson and Boone Logan is proving to be very effective. It almost reminds me of the Philthies Coke and Hughes last year. These guys are the new bridge to Mariano – sorry Joba. And Chan Ho, I’m sorry you were DFA’d. I hope someone picks you up, just not the Yankees 🙂
Robertson and Logan did their jobs and got the ball to Mariano, who of course picked up his 22nd save of the season.
Offensive Analysis: The Yankees played catch-up all of last night. Curtis Granderson’s sac fly in the 2nd tied the game at 1. In the 6th, the Yanks were down 3-1. Derek Jeter led off with a double, and Mark Teixeira hit an absolute BOMB for a 2-ruin homer to tie the game at 3.
The Yanks fell behind once again, and once again the home run gave them new life. Nick Swisher crushed a hanging curveball for a solo home run in the 7th, tieing the game at 4. The Yankees kept on fighting back. I didn’t think it was possible for them to lose, but it seemed odd for them to win, because they never had the lead.
Swish, running with his head down after his home run…just like a good little Yankee 😉
In the 9th with the score tied, the Rays brought out their big All-Star closer, Rafael Soriano. Robinson Cano, who already had two doubles, stepped up to the plate with 1 out. He is SUCH a beast. Is there anyone this guy can’t hit? He proved to me once again last night that he is a magical player. Robbie’s home run off Soriano gave the Yankees their first lead of the night, 5-4. That was all they needed.
Thank you, Robbie ♥
What really annoyed me was in 6th inning when Matt Joyce hit a homer to give the Rays a 4-3 lead. He was SO obnoxous. He did the “drop” with his bat, and just stared at it before finally performing his home-run trot. He was really showing off, and it was uncalled for. He should have just put his head down and ran, because that homer meant nothing: they LOST. I mean, who does he think he is? He has 5 homers this year. And he’s really tearing it up with a .230 batting average. Wow, he’s good. He and the Rays are ridiculous. They think who they are. But who are they? They need to show some class out there on the field. They really are the opposite of the Yankees. The Bombers had 3 home runs last night, and you didn’t see them showing off – even though Tex, Swish, and Cano are legit good players. No. They don’t do that because it isn’t right. The Yankees just drop the bat, put their heads down, and run. When they get back to the dugout, THEN they celebrate.
That’s what the Yankees are all about: class. They are the best team, and they don’t act obnoxious about it. Those pesky Rays aren’t the best, so why do they act like that? The need to stop being so cocky, because they haven’t proven anything yet. They didn’t win anything.
The heroes for last night’s Drama Club win are the new and IMPROVED bridge to Mariano, Mr. David Robertson and Mr. Boone Logan. You two are adorable, and you really make me proud. The other heroes are the 3 homer-boys from last night, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, and Robinson Cano. I’d like to thank you guys for your performance and behavior on the field. You make me proud in both respects.
I’d just like to welcome Lance Berkman, Austin Kearns, and Kerry Wood to the Yankees. Guys, you will love it here. The Yankees know how to win. Sorry that you have to shave your beards and cut your hair, but I don’t think that’s a big price to pay. You guys are Yankees!
Hello, Mr. Big Puma. You will love the Bronx Zoo 🙂
Tears and Cheers
Emotional Night Ends Right
From the pregame ceremonies to the pie, last night was an emotional rollercoaster for everyone who watched. It was a Drama Club victory, and a game that will no-doubt be a Yankee Classic. I’m just so happy that the Yankees came out on top. It was a game they had to win.
Before the game, the lives of Bob Sheppard and George Steinbrenner where remembered. The crowd was silent, giving the two iconic men all their respect. Mariano Rivera placed two roses on top of home plate, one for Bob and one for the Boss.
Later on in the ceremony, Derek Jeter made a short-but-sweet speech honoring Bob and George. He requested a moment of silence, and silenced the Stadium went.
I’m sure the Yankees could have spent hours talking about Steinbrenner and Sheppard, but there was a baseball game to play. As a tribute to Bob Sheppard, the public address announcer did not announce. There were no player intros. The crowd seemed confused at the beginning of the game, not knowing whether to behave as if they were at a memorial, or a ballgame.
CC Sabathia struggled last night. He lacked command, and had to grind out each inning. By the 3rd, it was 2-0 Rays. The Yankees got a run back in the bottom of the 3rd. Nick Swisher’s RBI single scored Brett Gardner. That made it 2-1.
Sabathia got into a serious jam in the 5th, having loaded the bases with none out. Sabathia managed to minimize the damage by getting Evan Longoria to ground into a 5-4-3 double play. He allowed just 1 run that inning, but the Rays still had the lead at 3-1.
The Yankees still trailed 3-1 in the 6th inning. After 2 quick outs, I didn’t expect any runs that inning. But Robinson Cano had other ideas. Robbie hit a 2-out solo home run to get the Yankees back into the game. It was the first time all night the crowd really started cheering.
After Cano, Jorge Posada took his turn at bat. He got ahead in the count 3-0. Joe Girardi made a bold move, and gave Jorge the green light. And it paid off. Jorge hit an absolute bomb for a solo home run, back to back with Robbie. More importantly, the game was tied at 3. The Yankees were fighting. I knew there was no way they were going to lose this game.
CC Sabathia got into another bases loaded none out jam in the 7th, and gave the Rays right back a run on a Ben Zobrist ground out. Although he was able to once again minimize the damage, I feared that it would be a momentum killer for the Yankees. The Rays led 4-3.
David Robertson relieved CC in the 8th, and I cringed when I saw it was he who Girardi put in. To my surprise, Robertson looked like he did last year. He was superb. Robertson threw a 1-2-3 inning, and struckout all three Rays batters.
In the bottom of the 8th, Nick Swisher showed that the Yankees weren’t ever going to give up. The Boss loved to win, and he would do anything to win. Swisher embraced this philosophy. Swish belted a ball into the 2nd deck, for yet another game-tying home run. After crossing the plate, Swisher kissed the George Steinbrenner patch on his uniform.
With a tie game, the Yanks handed the ball to the Great Mariano for the 9th. He allowed a cheap leadoff single to BJ Upton, but quickly erased it. I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen it: Mariano picked off Upton at first base. He was out by a mile. Upton was infuriated, and began spewing expletives all over the place. Leave it to Upton to have no class. He’s the polar opposite of the New York Yankees.
Mariano got out of the 9th with no problem. The only question now was: Who wants pie?
Curtis Granderson had a great at-bat and got on base with a leadoff single through the hole on the right side of the infield. Ramiro Pena laid down a perfect sac bunt, moving the GrandyMan to 2nd base with 1 out. Brett Gardner’s at-bat was even more suspensful. He quickly fell behind in the count 0-2, but that didn’t worry him. Brett was cool, calm, and collected 3 balls making the count full. After what seemed to be an eternity, Gardner drew a walk. That brought up Jeter.
The captain was extremely fond of both Bob Sheppard and George Steinbrenner, so it seemed fitting for him to get the walkoff. Jeter made a valient effort, but could not get the job done. He struckout for the 2nd out, and left it up to Nick Swisher.
I would have loved to see Jeter win the game, but if he couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t want anybody up at the plate but Nick Swisher. He always puts up a great at-bat, and has been so clutch for the Yankees this season.
Nick Swisher delivered once again. He ripped a single into right field, and Granderson was safe at the play at the plate. The team had to wait until they knew for sure Granderson was safe before charging out of the dugout. Then, the customary walkoff chaos began.
And then, like he had done 19 times before, A.J. Burnett emerged stealthily from the dugout, and pied Nick Swisher.
Sweet victory.
This was a game that the Yankees absolutely had to win. They have been through so much this past week. It’s victories like this that bring the team closer. All the Yankees are the heroes for this 5-4 thrilling victory, but #1 is Nick Swisher.
The Yankees now have a 3 game lead over the pesky Rays. The Red Sox lost once again and are 6.5 games back. Things are looking mighty fine for the Yankees right now. But as George would have wanted, the Yankees have to take things 1 day at a time. There is still a lot of baseball left to play.
Bob Sheppard and George Steinbrenner, I hope this victory tastes as good to you as it did for the Yankees (and Swisher). May you rest in peace ♥
Trail of Tears 2010
Yanks Win 3 of 4 From Tribe
Trail of Tears: during Andrew Jackson’s presidency, the relocation and movement of Native Americans from their homelands in the Indian Territory in the Western United States. The phrase originated from a description of the removal of the Chocktaw Nation in 1831. Many died during the journey.
My AP exams are over, but I still have to review for the New York State Regents Exam for history, which is later in June. I know. I’m a nerd 😛 The Yankees just closed out their wrap-around weekend series with the Cleveland Indians. Aside from game 2, they really killed the Indians. The offense was superb, for the first time in a long time. Today was a prime example of the Yankees Offensive Explosion at best. But after awhile, I began to really feel bad for the Indians. I mean, they were so deflated, and the Yankees just kept piling on the runs. In 1831, Andrew Jackson did what he had to do because he thought it was the best thing for the country. Naturally, it was painful for many. The Yankees have to win, and the best thing for winning is to not give away at bats, hit hit hit, and get that confidence back. I honestly felt very bad for the Indians today. But I love my Yankees, and am glad they won. My Yankees beat the Indians 11-2 in this Memorial Day series finale.
Pitching Analysis: Andy Pettitte looked to follow up on his fabulous performance in his last start against the Twins. Today, Andy was as dandy as always. 7 innings, 4 hits, 1 run, ZERO WALKS, 4 strikeouts – just brilliant. The only run he allowed was on a solo home run by Jhonny Peralta in the 2nd. He was so sharp today. And although the game ended in blowout fashion, it was really close for most of it. Andy did a nice job of shutting down the opposition, and giving the Yankees a chance to win it.
He might be an All-Star this year if this keeps up!
Offensive Analysis: The game remained tight early. The Yankees struck first thanks to an RBI single by A-Rod, but then Peralta’s homer made it 1-1. Brett Gardner gave the Yankees the lead with his RBI single in the 4th. It remained 2-1 for what seemed like such a long time.
Things changed in the 7th inning, as they have in every game this series. After Gardner made the first out at 2nd base trying to steal, Jeet and GrandyMan singled. I was annoyed because they would have had another run if Gardner didn’t get caught, but I don’t blame him for running. He is the best at that. Anyway, with 2 men on and 1 out, Mark Teixeira got ahead in the count, and was intentionally walked. That brought up the big guy – Alex Rodriguez. Drama always seems to find Alex, or Alex always seems to find drama. Either way, the Drama King of the Drama Club struck again today.
With a 3-1 count, Alex got a ball right down the middle. He deposited it over the wall in dead centerfield. It couldn’t have been a more perfect swing. The curtain call was great. Above all, Alex’s grand slam gave the Yankees a 6-1 lead.
Beeeast
Robinson Cano was so good in the cleanup spot the other day. Now, he’s competing with A-Rod’s every swing. Following up the grand slam, Robbie Cano crushed a ball for a solo home run, making it 7-1 Yankees. He is so cute. Cano and A-Rod had a nice discussion in the dugout after their homers.
My baby Francisco Cervelli tacked on another run in the 7th with a sac fly. In the 8th, Ramiro Pena led off with a single, then Tex singled with 1 out, setting up an RBI opportunity for A-Rod. Again, Alex delivered. His RBI double made it 9-1. Cano didn’t want Alex to stay in the spotlight – he then singled in 2 runs, making it 11-1 Yanks. They held on to win it 11-2.
I know the Yankees are supposed to beat up on these teams, but I felt bad for them. They are a young, adorable group of guys. I wish them luck in the future. Aside from the pity factor, today’s game was beast. Seeing the Yankees play like the Yankees is comforting. The heroes for the victory are Andy Pettitte, for yet another spectacular start, A-Rod, for yet another grand slam and for 6 RBI today, and Robinson Cano, for yet another good game and adorable smile.
Keep up the good baseball, guys!
GO YANKEES!
Double the Winning Fun
Yanks Win 2 in 1 Day
Before yesterday’s Yankee game, I was upset about the state of the team. Game 1 against the Twins was suspended due to rain, and I was annoyed. Burnett was pitching just brilliantly, but the offense did nothing for him. I thought suspending the game would hurt the Yankees, because I thought the offense would just stink like it has the past week, but the pitching would be bad because A.J. wouldn’t continue – leaving it up to the bullpen (aaah!).
But to my surprise, the bullpen didn’t stink – instead, it was a breath of fresh air, much like a spring meadow. Robertson was good, Joba too, and Mo – well, he didn’t allow a run. Baby steps. Derek Jeter’s solo home run in the 6th was all the offense the Yankees needed. They won the suspended game 1-0. I was shocked – pleasantly. Good pitching [usually] beats good hitting.
Thank you Derek! We needed that game!
I was glad the Yankees won the first game, but I wasn’t sure if it would actually be a turning point. The Yankees’ last winning streak was May 14 and 15, just 2 games, against the Twins. I hoped for a game 2 win against the Twins to FINALLY start another winning streak, but I didn’t really believe they would do it.
But after the Twins scored a quick run in the 1st off Andy Pettitte, I was crushed. It was such an effort for the Yankees to just get 1 run in the first game – now they had to get 2? Impossible.
In the 4th, my darling baby Francisco Cervelli hustled it out for an infield single. Cutie Kevin Russo came up. He’s done a nice job up to that point, but I was in a doubtful mood. I highly doubted that he could do something AGAIN. But Russo delivered. His double scored Cervelli all the way from first, and the Yankees tied the game at 1. They were alive.
I like this rookie 😉
Kevin Russo started a rally later on. In the 6th, he hit an innocent little single after putting up a nice at-bat. Brettiboo Gardner decided it was his turn to make things interesting, and to get me excited in the team again. How does Brett get me excited? With his speed. I think it’s sexy. Gardner tripled, scoring Kevin Russo, and gave the Yankees a LEAD! 2-1.
The Yankees lost the lead in the bottom of the 7th, and I have to admit it hit me hard. But it wasn’t over. The game was still tied at 2, so the Yankees had a chance. Andy Pettitte was still in there for the bottom of the 8th. I thought that was a good decision, but after Butera led off with a double, I wasn’t so sure. I know Gardner just missed it, but it was still hit well. Then A-Rod made an error on a bunt, putting the Yankees in a sticky situation: first and third with none out. I couldn’t watch. I covered my eyes. Orlando Hudson then hit the ball back up the middle, and I shuddered. But miraculously, it went into Andy’s glove, for the first out! I was excited, but all those feelings disappeared when I saw who stepped up to the plate next: Joe Mauer. I went back into my cover-the-eyes mode. I heard the bat-ball connection, and bravely looked at the screen. ANDY INDUCED THE DOUBLE PLAY!!! Jeet to Robbie to Tex! 6-4-3 dp! Inning over, threat averted, huge momentum shift. Andy actually showed some legit emotion – fist pumping so hard I thought he ripped his arm out of his socket. It was a great moment for the Yankees.
Aw, Andy ♥
The momentum did shift in that inning, just in time for a Yankee rally. It happened kind of quickly. Nick Swisher just, connected, and that was it. Gone! That home run was a monster shot. Swish’s shot drained the energy from the Minnesota crowd. It’s as if their energy was drained, and transplanted into me. I believed again. The Drama Club struck again.
I bet his bicep is all better ♥
Mariano Rivera successfully closed out the 9th inning for the save, but more importantly, the 3-2 YANKEE WIN. Because of all the momemtum shifts in that game, and that the Yankees came out on top, I do believe this is a turning point. They played better yesterday. The heroes for these two victories are Derek Jeter, for winning game 1 for us, Kevin Russo, for contributing to 2 of the 3 Yankee runs, A.J. and Andy, for their gutsy starting efforts, and Nick Swisher, for wrapping up the series win with his clutch homer.
Let’s hope the Yankees keep on piling up the W’s. Despite everything, they are only 3.5 games behind the Rays.
GO YANKEEEEEEEES!
Start Them Up….They’ll Never Stop
1st Of Many Walkoffs for Yanks
Don’t you hate it when you are so tired and you know it’s late, but you don’t go to bed and then by the time you DO go to bed, you aren’t tired anymore? I usually hate this. But last night, I didn’t mind it one bit. I laid there for awhile, knowing I should get a good night’s sleep because it was only Monday (well, almost Tuesday at this point), but it was the peaceful kind of not sleeping. And eventually, I drifted asleep with comforting images of my Yankees. Yes, my Yankees…they played an amazingly dramatic game Monday night – I game I don’t think I will forget.
Pitching Analysis: Joe Girardi did what I thought he would do, although it didn’t please me. He skipped over my Javier in favor of the Phenom Phil Hughes to start the series opener. But to everyone’s surprise, Hughes struggled mightily. Hughes let a large lead slip away, on the strength of homers by Ortiz and Martinez. Phil only pitched 5 innings, and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits, turning the once easy-night for the Yanks into an outright nail-biter.
Hughes…I can’t believe YOU made me nervous…
The bullpen sent me onto the brink of insanity. Boone Logan surrendered a solo home run to V-Mart. But he wasn’t the scary one. Chan Ho Park, fresh off the DL, couldn’t keep it in the park. Deja vu. He allowed Pukilis to hit a monster 2-run home run, which turned the tides into the Red Sox favor, because they finally had the lead. It was detrimental to my confidence, and, I thought, to the Yankees’ confidence as well.
Damaso Marte flirted with disaster when he put 2 men on base in the 8th inning. With 2 out, Girardi made a bold move: he brought in Javier Vazquez. This was it – it was Javier’s first time relieving for the Yankees since the ’04 Damon grand slam tragedy. It was Javier’s time to redeem himself and give the Yankees a chance to win. And he did. And they did. Javier stuckout the always-dangerous Youkilis, ending the Red Sox rally.
Good job, Javy ♥
Offensive Analysis: The Yankees got out of the gates quickly and scored a boatload of runs early. In the 1st, Jeter and Gardner singled, Teixeira walked, A-Rod hit a 2-run single, Cano hit an RBI single, Cervelli got an RBI double, and Thames got a sac fly. Add that all up, and by the end of the 1st, the Yankees smashed Dice-K around well enough for a 5-0 lead. In the 2nd, Tex added another run with an RBI double. That made it 6-1.
The Red Sox inched closer, and the Yankee bats died a bit. Marcus Thames added to the now-slim lead with an RBI double in the 5th, making it 7-5 Yankees. But after this, the Yankees failed to score again. Well, until later…..
After Park blew the lead, the momentum shifted in favor of the Red Sox. But after Javier struckout Youk, the momentum was back in favor of the Yankees. And just in time – it was the bottom of the 9th. Crunch time. Comeback time for the Drama Club. But they would have to do it off Jonathan Papelbon. They’ve already embarrassed him once this season – but Granderson was not around to hit another homer off him. It was up to heart of the Yankee order.
Brett Gardner led off the bottom of the 9th with a double. The Yankees needed 2 runs to tie, 3 to win. Mark Teixeira hit a deep fly ball to right-center, but it was caught for an out. I thought it was gone and jumped up. But it wasn’t. I thought the ball wasn’t carrying anymore. Thank God I was wrong.
Alex Rodriguez, the Drama King of the Drama Club, stepped up to the plate with hopes of keeping the rally going. I begged to the TV, “Ohhh….Come on A-Rod…Please, please do something baby…”
Papelbon threw the pitch, and A-Rod connected. I was ready to jump up, but I stopped myself – not wanting to jinx it like I did with Teixeira’s. Was I seeing things? I gasped, “Oh!.” It was really going. Going, going….GONE! A-Rod did it again! His 2-run, storybook home run tied up the game at 9, and sent the stadium and my living room into an unbridled frenzy of cheers. My Grandma and I high-fived. Our boys were alive. But they were more than that – they were revived, ready for a comeback. I knew then that the pie was going to happen that inning.
Haha…what NOW Papelbon???
After Cano hit a ball well for an out, my darling baby Francisco Cervelli came up to bat. Sensing his excitement, I too was excited. I thought he would get the pie. Papelbon decided to throw a hissy fit. He decided to ruin my fantasies, and send me back into a painful reality.
The pitch was too fast and too inside, I knew that right away. Francisco tried to get out of the way, but he couldn’t. All I saw was that it was up and in – I didn’t know where it got him. I was immediately thinking of his poor little head, although I knew it didn’t get him there. As it turned out, it his Cervelli in his sexy tricep, and he was mad. And I was mad. Rightfully so. I screamed when he was hit, and my little brother came out from his bedroom only to say, “Hey! I’m trying to sleep here…no more screaming!!!”
No one does that to MY baby on purpose….
Marcus Thames then came up, and I was still annoyed that Cervelli wouldn’t be the hero. But before I even had the chance to pout, or think anything, Papelbon threw the pitch. I knew Thames’s claim to fame was that he could crush a fastball. He was sitting dead-red. Indeed it was a fastball. Indeed, Thames crushed it. This was a no-doubter. Marcus Thames hit a beastly walkoff, 2-run home run off the most arrogant obnoxious excuse for a pitcher in baseball. He touched the plate, threw his helmet, and the celebration began. Ignoring my brother’s request for silence, I screamed. We won! How could I not?
Connection!
Yankee teammates get ready to mob Marcus.
Everyone knew what was to come next: In Marcus’s on-field interview, all hears were on Marcus, but all eyes were scrambling around, looking for the Pie Man. Slowly, stealthily, A.J. Burnett emerged from the dugout, and squished that pie into Thames’s smiling face. Direct hit. The crowd went wild.
That’s a hot look for him 😉
And so concluded my wonderful Monday evening. Yankees win it 11-9. The heroes for this Yankees Classic-worthy victory are Javier Vazquez, for proving he can do it and for shifting the momentum, A-Rod, for his game-tying big fly, and Marcus Thames, for winning it in walkoff fashion. Walkoff….the Yankees have a knack for getting into the knack of walkoffs. Once they get a pie, they want more and more.
If you start them up, believe me – they’ll NEVER stop…
AGONY!
Rough Day and Yankee Loss 😦
Omg today was stressful. I took my SAT, but that wasn’t the stressful part, believe it or not! I was nervous when I was pacing the halls waiting for the test to start, but other than that I was calm. It was a long, boring exam, but it was easy. After 5 hours of spilling my brain for the test, I was relieved it was over. I arrived home just in time for the start of the game. The game…Oh, what a game! It was not a fun one for me….it was agonizing…pitiful…I just feel awful. My Yankees lost 7-6 in what was a heartbreaking game for me.
Pitching Analysis: I was overjoyed that I got home in time to Javier from the beginning. I was happy, cheerful, and optimistic after my test. I felt I could conquer anything, and hoped Javy had that same bravado (good SAT word right there lolz). Unfortunately, this was not the case. Javier was, well…let me just say it outright – pretending I don’t realize it isn’t going to solve anything: Javier was dreadful once again today. He couldn’t even get an out in the 4th inning. In 3+ innings, Javy surrendered 5 runs, 3 homers, on 7 hits and 4 walks. He just looked miserable out there. He is so stressed out; it pains me to see him that way.
I would hide my face too if I were you, babe….OH! Did I just say that? I’M SO SORRY JAVY!!! But it’s true….you poor pitiful baby….
Ozzie Guillen is a greasy rotten ****. I’m not sure if he did it, but even if he didn’t I still feel that way about him. In the 3rd inning, the umpires confronted Javier and told him he had to change his glove because it is “illegal.” ILLEGAL? Why, then, has he been using it for the last 4 years? I think Ozzie pointed that out to the umps to freak out Javy even more. He had to go down into the clubhouse and get a brand new glove. I mean, how rotten is that? The poor man is so uncomfortable already, and you have to add to that? For no reason? What really annoys me is that JJ Putz had the same glove only the colors were reversed, and no one said a thing. I think Girardi should have done something about it.
I know that’s not why Javy was bad. But still….it’s just wasn’t right. Oh, Javier…you poor poor baby. I’m honestly very upset. I’m not mad at you, I just want you to succeed so much. The only reason I wasn’t hysterically crying over Melky’s departure for too long was because of you. I hate to admit it, but I am losing faith. I wonder now if it was worth it to get rid of Melky….
Joe Girardi got on my nerves today in the 7th. David Robertson has been so stinky lately. Why put him in in a 6-5 tight ballgame? Thanks to that, the Yankees lost. After Robertson screwed up the inning and put 2 guys on base, Girardi called on Marte to get out the lefty Pierzynski. Instead, Marte served up a 2-run double, which gave the ChiSox a 7-6 lead, and took all hope of a Yankee victory away.
Offensive Analysis: The Yankee offense really wasn’t bad today. The lack of pitching led to loss today. I’m not really in the mood to go through the whole thing because they LOST…OH! I get that sick feeling when I think about Swish’s 2-run HR in the 6th…that gave the Yanks a 6-5 lead. I was almost certain they would win it after that…but no….like I don’t have enough stress on me already…they blew it.
I almost died in the 6th. Prior to Swish’s home run, one of my truest loves….he….he….OH! WHY? WHHHYYYYY???? God, why did you do this to Curtis? To CURTIS?!?! He’s just…oh, he’s just too find…too GRAND….witnessing him limp like that felt like having a stake jammed through my heart….Just think: he was just starting to break out of his slump….he was just rounding the bases….and then he started hobbling…pitifully, painfully to 3rd base. It’s his groin. A grade 2 strain to his left groin is going to sideline him to the DL for at least 15 days…can you imagine what this did to me? I wish I had magical healing powers…oh Curtis! How I wish I could just make it better baby…you poor thing….Seriously, no joke, I almost cried when I heard you were going to the hospital for an MRI…I expected something bad….
…..don’t leave me…..:'(
It has been quite an agonizing day. Not exactly how I hoped to start the new month. Poor Javier….poor Curtis….today was just not the best day for my Yankees. What if Javy continues to struggle? And then they like….-gulp-…get rid of him….that’s going to break my already half-broken heart. And…oh….what if GrandyMan’s groin is more serious than we know? What if he’s away for more than 2 weeks? I’m going to suffer from Granderson withdrawl….This is too agonizing…can it get worse? Will it?
Maybe the stress of junior year is finally catching up to me….maybe I am just overtired… It can’t get worse. I mean it can, but it won’t. It definitely won’t. It will be okay. It has to, because these are the Yankees. They make things interesting, but when it’s all over, it will be okay. It’s a long season…there will be ups and downs. But at the end, I think I know where this team will be.
At #28.
Yeah. It’s painful right now, but it will be alright. And there WERE some positives today…like Mitre (♥). That guy was dealing today. And Swisher’s Yankee Stadium funk may finally be over. And Tex looked good today. And Jorge is alive!
I just need to calm down…
“Everything is alright, If I just breathe…”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQQZSL_tVsE&feature=fvsr
A Fun Finish
Yanks Take Final 2 of Rays Series to Win It
How comforting! After dropping the first game, my Yankees won the final two games and took the series against the Rays. In each of the two games, both the pitching and offense were spectacular. I couldn’t be prouder. My boys finished their road trip 4-2, after dropping the first game of both series, they came back to win each one, at the opposing team’s home park! I couldn’t be more proud. The Yankees won game 2 by the score of 10-0, and game 3 7-3.
GAME 2
Pitching Analysis: CC Sabathia proved he can possibly be C”Cy” this season with his start in game 2, where he flirted with history. He pitched 7 2/3 innings of NO HIT BALL!!! But then Kelly Shoppach had to destroy everything with his single. That must have made Joe Buck and Tim McCarver happy…I hate those guys. They just live to see the Yankees fail. But that little single was the only thing that tainted the Yankee blowout victory. CC was spectacular, no-no or not. I love my hefty-lefty 🙂
CC’s game face…lol. He looks flustered even when he is pitching well!
Defensive Analysis: The defense behind CC was superb in game 2. Each fielder stepped up his game, knowing that every play meant so much more. Some of the best plays were A-Rod’s diving play on Longoria’s sharp grounder in the 2nd, Mark Teixeira’s great diving play in the 6th, and another A-Rod one, where in the 7th he saved the no-no again with a diving play on an Upton hot-shot, and a bullet throw to Tex to get the out. GO D!!!
Offensive Analysis: I love it when the offense explodes, and boy it did in game 2. Robinson Cano put the Yankees on the board in the 3rd with a 2-run HR. Mark Teixeira got his first hit of the season with an RBI double in the 4th. And my darling baby FRANCISCO CERVELLI had a great day at the plate. He had like a 14 pitch at bat, in which he was behind 0-2 in the count, and worked a walk. Then in the 4th, he placed the most PERFECT sac bunt I have ever seen, which set up Brett Gardner to score on Jeter’s RBI single. Finally, in the 8th, my Cervelli crushed the ball into right-centerfield for a 2-run double. Who says Cervelli doesn’t have opposite-field power? Pshh…ignorance…
Game 2 was a pleasure for me to watch. And unlike in game 1 where I was completely selfish, I stayed on the couch the entire game and did not move. Well, that’s also because I didn’t want to jinx CC. But they won, and I had fun, so it was worth it. The heroes for game 2’s win are CC “Cy” cutie hefty-lefty, for his flirt with history, and….hm…I need to pick someone else…Francisco Cervelli! Because he was awesome and I love him! Well, that’s not really fair. The heroes are CC and the entire Yankee lineup for making me proud 🙂
GAME 3
Pitching Analysis: Alan James Burnett was ready to redeem himself after a not-so-flattering outing his first time around. But annoyingly, A.J. got off to an icky start. Not really his fault though – he was bombarded by the Rays and their speed: singles, stolen bases, and bunts. When the first was over, I was actually happy it only resulted in 2 runs. I thought it would’ve been worse.
Good Lord…that is ONE CRANKY FACE!!! A.J….please don’t eat me!!!
During this game, I was at a friend’s house doing a project. I remembered my promise to Javier Vazquez, and the rest of the team, when I vowed to never intentionally miss a game again. We were in her living room working on a poster, and she had a TV, so you know…I put it on. I got a little distracted, cheering and rooting for my boys. My friend was a little taken aback – she always knew I was a nut, but never actually saw me in action with the Yankees before. She said “Gin, I don’t ever want to be around you when you are watching a Yankee game EVER AGAIN!” She was kidding…..I think…
When the Yanks were down 2-0, my friend said the Yankees would lose. I turned sharply and gave her the most menacing stare. “Don’t you ever say that to my face, you hear me girly?” I shot at her.
Silence.
We stared at each other for awhile, then broke out into laughter. As we were calming down, I said, “But seriously: don’t say that. These are the Yankees. They always come back.”
Sure enough, my friend witnessed the Drama Club in action.
A.J. Burnett settled down beautifully after the first. He went 7 innings, just allowing those 2 runs. Joba Chamberlain pitched the 8th, gave up a run, but no biggy – Mo closed it out for the victory.
Offensive Analysis: There was a lot of pressure on me and my Yankees, because I made it seem certain to myself and my friend that they would come back. In the 2nd, my newest and truest love, Curty-Curt-Cutie-Curtis Granderson came through with an RBI double, narrowing the defecit to 2-1. I cheered. My friend said they were still losing. I said “Just wait.”
It took awhile, but my boys got back on the board. In the 6th, Jorge Posada hit a 2-run homer to give the Yanks a 3-2 LEAD!!!! Later in the inning, my baby Curtis scored on a pass-ball. 4-2 Yanks! I told her so I told her so I TOLD HER SO!!!!!
Jorge and Curtis (♥)
In the 7th, Alex Rodriguez decided to add to the lead. He hit a 2-run double to make it 6-2. The final Yankee run came in the 8th, courtesy of NickySwish. Swisher belted a solo homer; it was a no-doubter.
Game 3 was awesome!!! I love when the Yankees listen to me. I told them to come back and win, and they did! I have the power, lol. The heroes for this delightful rubber-game victory are A.J. Burnett, cranky face and all, for his skillz on the mound, and I guess the Yankee lineup again for their much-needed contributions 🙂
Isn’t winning so much fun? And isn’t watching 25 adorable men win for you even more fun? A girl could get used to this….♥
GO YANKEES! Can’t wait to see the Home Opener….curse stupid school….
A Grand Finale
Yanks Win Series In “Grand” Fashion
Last night’s Yankee game was AWESOME! It had everything a Yankees/Red Sox game should have: a little good pitching, a little clutch hitting, and a LOT of drama. The Yankees won again, and believe it or not, actually won the first series against Boston this year! And at Fenway? Who would have thought…My boys can do the impossible 🙂 The Yankees won last night 3-1, and it was surely an exciting game.
Pitching Analysis: Andy Pettitte, who really had no Spring Training at all, started for the Yankees last night. But the fact that he didn’t get much practice didn’t bother me. I knew Andy would be fine. He always finds a way to pitch well, even if he doesn’t have his best stuff. But last night, at least from what I could tell, Andy was on. He went 6 innings, allowing just 1 run. That 1 run was an RBI single by Big Poopi in the 3rd inning. What a dandy from my Andy. ♥
Don’t take this the wrong way, but one of the highlights of my night took place in the 5th inning. Andy Pettitte clonked Kevin Youkilis in the head! I laughed…I know some of you may think that’s rotten, but I did. I just hate Pukilis so much. No one likes him. I mean what’s to like? And it’s not like Andy meant to hurt him. Youkilis was fine, he wasn’t hurt. So I don’t really feel bad about laughing and saying “Yeah! Go Andy!”
When Joe Girardi put in Chan Ho Park in the 7th inning, I almost fell off my chair. But when he trotted out there for a second inning of relief, I was in even more disbelief. Girardi didn’t stop there…he didn’t stop torturing me. Yes, Park came out for a THIRD INNING OF WORK. I let my mind convince me otherwise at the time, but after the game I realized the truth: Chan Ho Park did a helluva great job. 3 innings of 1-hit, 0-run relief against the smelly sox who cheat at Fenway? (The insults are on now…I didn’t like the way they played last night.) I am proud of Chan Ho. I didn’t know he was suffering from the flu! Maybe that’s why he stank the other night. Now I feel bad about giving him a hard time..aw….Chan Ho I’m sorry! I’m just an inconsiderate little brat. Don’t feel bad. I do love you now…I’m so sorry it took this long.
After Park’s brilliant outing, the Sandman took over. The Yanks had a lead by this time, so the 10th inning was an easy one for Mo, who nailed down his 2nd save of the year!!! Overall, it was a spectacular night on the mound for all my Yankee hurlers.
Defensive Analysis: Not much went on defensively last night. The Yankees didn’t make any errors and were solid overall. In the first inning, Ellsburry pummeled poor Andy as he ran to first. Andy fell on the cold, hard ground, and Jacoby was safe. The Yankees had to defend their bodies later on. After Youkilis was hit in the 5th, Lackey hit Jeet in the elbow, then the ump called a warning, and the drama stopped there. I was hoping maybe when Andy was ready to come out of the game, he could just hit a Red Sock and get thrown out, since he would have been ready to exit anyway. But that didn’t happen…Andy is just too sweet of a guy.
Offensive Analysis: It took the Yankees a long time to get on the board, and as each inning passed without a Yankee crossing the plate, I grew more and more tense. I was like, “Are they seriously going to lose 1-0?”
But then I remembered: These are the Yankees, they don’t lose like that. They never stop fighting. I knew that eventually, they would figure it out, and score.
They figured it out in the 7th inning, when Lackey was out of the game. Off of Daniel Bard, the young guy who thinks he is all-that because he can throw 99 mph, Jorge Posada doubled. Due up next was Nick Swisher, who just keeps on getting sexier everyday. He looks even hotter when he hits well. Last night, he had me drooling. He came through inthe clutch! Nick hit a single into right field that scored Jorge, and tied the game at 1. I was relieved that they finally scored!
The Yankee bats were held quiet until the game went into extra innings. In the 10th, the Red Sox went with Jonathan Papelbon. I hate that man with a passion. He thinks he’s so intimidating on the mound, when really he’s not. That stare he does? I mean, if I was at the plate and I saw him do that, I would strikeout because I’d be on the floor laughing so hard because he looked so stupid, and I wouldn’t be able to focus. Maybe that’s why he does it. No…he really does think he looks scary. I don’t know what the Yankees think, but in my opinion, Papelbon looks like he wants to masturbate when he does that face.
Okay sorry. That’s enough ranting about Papelbon for one day. Anyway, Curtis Granderson came up, and he looked ready to make an impact. He impacted the ball, that’s for sure. Yesm Curtis Granderson hit a HOME RUN OFF PAPELBON!!! And gave Yankees had a 2-1 lead! I was beyond proud of the little cutie. The Yanks tacked on another one for insurance when Mark Teixeira drove in a run with an RBI groundout to make it 3-1.
Ooooh Curtis……♥♥♥ my love for you has started to flourish….
So there you have it! The first series of the year is over, and my Yankees came out on top. The heroes for this delightful victory are Andy Pettitte, for his dandiness, Chan Ho Park!, for his surprising dominance, and CUTIE Curtis Granderson ♥, for his clutchness. Seriously, no joke, I am now madly in love with that guy. I mean when the Yankees got him, I thought he was cute and all…but now, now I am infatuated with the man….mmm. It happened so suddenly….after last night, he looks even more adorable than he already was! And he’s so articulate…what a package: he’s got the looks, the smarts, AND the skillz! And he’s going to be on the team for a nice, long time. Yay….♥
I better stop gushing…this could start to get a little out of hand if I let it go on hehehee 😉
GREAT job Yankees, you all make me proud. Especially you Curtis 😉 You made last night a Grand finale for the team, and Grand-opened my heart.
Live, Eat, and Breathe Yankees 