Minnesota Twins 7 — New York Yankees 2
The Yankees saw the return of Phil Hughes in the series finale with the Minnesota Twins.
Phil Hughes made his first start since leaving the team he came up with. Through the first three innings, Phil Hughes allowed one baserunner on a walk. His first hit would be a big hit to start the fourth inning. Brett Gardner opened the fourth inning with a high fly ball to bounce off the right field wall for a leadoff triple. Derek Jeter would hit a single to right field to succeed with runners in scoring position, tying the game at one. A single by Jacoby Ellsbury and walk by Brian McCann would load the bases but Yangervis Solarte popped out for the first out of the inning. Ichiro Suzuki would put the Yankees ahead with a productive sacrifice fly but two runs is all the Yankees would score against Phil Hughes.
The Yankees scored two runs against Phil Hughes.
Chase Whitley started for the Yankees and allowed a run in the third inning but was very strong again. He struck out four of his last eight to end his five innings. In Whitley’s first start at Yankee Stadium, he allowed one run on five hits without a walk and six strikeouts. He threw 83 pitches.
Enter Dellin Betances. The big righty has been as dominant as can be. Today was no different. In two innings, Betances faced six batters and struck out five of them. Adam Warren would allow a ground-rule double but kept the one-run lead intact. The two relievers handed the game over to closer David Robertson.
First pitch fastball to left fielder Josh Willingham was in a bad location and the Twins slugging outfielder tied the game at two. Robertson’s second blown save of the season would go from bad to worse. Despite striking out two, he also walked two. Second baseman Brian Dozier would give the Twins the lead with a double to left. An intentional walk of Joe Mauer would be the end of his dreadful day.
Over two thirds of an inning, David Robertson allowed five runs on two hits while walking three and striking out two. Certainly not the kind of game Robertson would like.
A sixth run would score in the ninth inning and a 2-1 lead became a 7-2 deficit.
For the Twins, Phil Hughes was not the Phil Hughes that the Yankees remember. After his rough fourth inning, Phil Hughes got 13 consecutive outs to finish off eight innings. His return featured one run on five hits while striking out six and walking none.
Three outs from a pitcher’s duel win saw a ninth inning debacle and eight innings of outstanding Phil Hughes, just the Sunday a Yankees fan would want.
Not.
Win – Phil Hughes (5-1)
Loss – David Robertson (0-2)
Notables
Twins
*Josh Willingham – 1 for 4, R, Solo Home Run (3) in the 9th, RBI (7)
*Trevor Plouffe – 2 for 4, 2B, RBI (34)
Yankees
*Derek Jeter – 1 for 4, R, RBI (11)
*Brett Gardner – 1 for 4, 2B
Current Yankees Record: 29-26
