Boston Red Sox 3 — New York Yankees 4 (12 innings)
Raul Ibanez played savior and hero in tonight’s 4-3 win in 12 innings over the Boston Red Sox.
David Phelps got the start in the place of the struggling Ivan Nova. Phelps filled in well as he allowed just 2 runs despite going just 5.2 innings. Phelps was kept between 75-90 pitches and was removed from the game at 86 pitches with 1 on. The bullpen kept the game close and Rafael Soriano let the team down. He gave up a solo home run in the 9th inning and extend the deficit when he gave up a solo home run to James Loney to lead off the 9th. The Yankees would come back and Derek Lowe would pitch 2 scoreless innings in extras to get the win.
The Yankees offense struggled in tonight’s game. Eduardo Nunez came through in the 2nd inning with a run-scoring single as he came through with runners in scoring position. Until the 9th inning, the Yankees struggled, especially Mark Teixeira. In Teixeira’s first 2 at-bats, he hit into 2 double plays instead of capitalizing on 2 good opportunities to score runs. With the Yankees down by 2 and with 1 on base, Raul Ibanez came in as a pinch-hitter and hit a 2-run home run into right field and tied the game. The Yankees had a chance to end the game in the 9th when Alex Rodriguez loaded the bases with a walk. Mark Teixeira couldn’t come through again as he flew out to center field and Robinson Cano grounded out to end it. A pair of walks in the 12th inning would prove to be the turning point. With 2 on and 2 outs, Raul Ibanez came through yet again with a game-winning single to end the game and put the Yankees within 1 win or 1 Baltimore loss to clinch the American League East.
Win – Derek Lowe (9-11)
Loss – Andrew Miller (3-2)
Notables
Red Sox
*Dustin Pedroia – 2 for 5, R, 2B, RBI (65)
*James Loney – 2 for 5, R, Solo Home Run (6) in the 9th, RBI (41)
Yankees
*Raul Ibanez – 2 for 3, R, Walk-off single in the 12th, 2-Run Home Run (19) in the 9th, 3 RBI (62)
*Eduardo Nunez – 2 for 3, 2B, 2 RBI (11)
Current Yankees Record: 94-67
