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Ichiro was a star today, stealing two bases, hitting a double, and making two defensive gems in tonight's loss. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Yankees Game 68: Offensive woes continue

Ichiro was a star today, stealing two bases, hitting a double, and making two defensive gems in tonight’s loss. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

New York Yankees 2 — Los Angeles Angels 6

 

Yankees struggles to score in tonight’s 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

Yankees starter David Phelps would trail early when shortstop Erick Aybar would take him deep in the second inning for his second home run of the season. But the Yankees would actually take the lead.

With two outs in the third inning, Chris Stewart would hit a harmless single to right field. Brett Gardner would hit a triple off the top of the big wall in right field to put the Yankees on the board. Jayson Nix would follow with a single off the glove of third baseman Alberto Callaspo to put the Yankees ahead by one.

Unfortunately, Phelps would give the lead away and it started with a one-out walk to Mike Trout. The young outfielder would steal second and advance on a ground out. Albert Pujols would single to center field to tie the game at two. Erick Aybar would get to Phelps one more time in the sixth inning to give the Angels a two-run lead.

In the seventh inning, the Yankees got an amazing scoring opportunity thanks to one player. Ichiro Suzuki would begin the inning with a bunt single. During the next at-bat, Ichiro would show his speed by stealing second base and third base. Unfortunately, Thomas Neal would strikeout swinging against starter Tommy Hanson. The next batter, Reid Brignac would face left-handed reliever Scott Downs and would strikeout looking. With Downs’ successful, reliever Michael Kohn would come in to face Chris Stewart and like his two teammates, struck out swinging. Seemingly summing up the offensive struggles in an inning; the Yankees were unable to score with a runner on third and no outs.

David Phelps would start the seventh inning with a single before Shawn Kelley would be called on from the bullpen. Kelley would walk Mike Trout before Josh Hamilton doubles to right field to bring home a run. Howie Kendrick, proficient at the plate vs. the Yankees, would walk in a run as well before the inning ended.

For Phelps, he went six innings and allowed four runs on nine hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

Mark Teixeira exited the game in the fourth inning with what would be later revealed to be an aggravated right wrist. Prior to the start of the season, Teixeira strained his right wrist during the World Baseball Classic.

 

Win – Tommy Hanson (4-2)

Loss – David Phelps (4-4)

 

Notables

Yankees

*Brett Gardner – 1 for 4, R, 3B, RBI (28)

*Jayson Nix – 1 for 4, RBI (18)

Angels

*Erick Aybar – 2 for 4, R, Solo Home Run (2) in the 2nd, 2 RBI (19)

*Albert Pujols – 2 for 4, BB, 2 RBI (42)

 

Current Yankees Record: 37-31