Nick Swisher started the Yankees offense in the 8th inning with a three-run home run to cut a 6-0 deficit in half. He also had the opportunity to drive in the last runs needed for a walk-off victory but fell short at the warning track in a 6-5 loss to open the series against the Oakland Athletics.
The long ball hurt Bartolo Colon in tonight’s game as the Athletics appeared to have more offense than their season has shown. Brandon Allen hit his first of two home runs into the upper deck of Yankee Stadium in right field, almost exactly a year after Russell Branyan hit the first to the same upper deck in August of last year. Eric Sogard hit his first career home run as well.
To open the bottom of the 9th, Jorge Posada hit a solo home run. Eventually, Nick Swisher came to the plate with 2 outs and the bases loaded and on a 2-0 pitch hit the ball to the warning track before it was caught to end the game one run short of the victory.
It’s hard to tell if the innings have caught up to Bartolo Colon but his outings have become a struggle as he reaches the 5th inning and gives up multiple runs, many on the long ball this month. Phil Hughes & Ivan Nova need to continue to improve their game as it appears the veterans that shined in the Yankees rotation earlier are approaching their last legs.
Ryan Nakada
@adakannayr
