It took ten starts from A.J. Burnett, but he earned the win against the Boston Red Sox in today’s 6-2 victory.
A.J. Burnett started the first of two games in the doubleheader today. After winning his last start, Burnett had a strong start against all the Boston Red Sox, unless your name was Jacoby Ellsbury. A.J. Burnett surrendered 2 runs over 7.2 innings and they were both on solo home runs to Jacoby Ellsbury. Before Ellsbury could get his 4th at-bat against Burnett, Girardi came to get him and and Burnett exited the game to a standing ovation from the Yankees fans.
The Red Sox sent Tim Wakefield to the mound against the Yankees and was not effective. Walks, wild pitches, and passed balls were a big part of the Red Sox defeat. Errors and passed balls by Jarrod Saltalamacchia allowed 2 runs to score in the 1st inning as he continues to struggle with catching the knuckleball. The Yankees constantly took advantage of the lapses by the Red Sox errors and the free passes handed out by the knuckleball pitcher.
The Yankees don’t appear to be taking it easy after clinching the AL East and home field advantage throughout the American League because Joe Girardi intends on keeping his players sharp and continues trying to find out what his postseason roster will look like. Jesus Montero’s developing hitting prowess has ensured he would make the postseason roster as a backup catcher and probable designated hitter against the left-handed pitchers. Jorge Posada has continued to swing a hot bat as he makes an attempt at making the postseason roster as well. Each of the previous three starting pitchers (Colon, Garcia, Burnett) are auditioning for the role will have in the postseason and clearly the wins are with the effective pitching and dominant offense of a team aiming to go into the postseason with a healthy, rested team full of momentum.
Ryan Nakada
@adakannayr
