New York Yankees 4 — Seattle Mariners 1
Hiroki Kuroda throws a gem in Ichiro’s Yankees debut over the Seattle Mariners by a score of 4-1.
Hiroki Kuroda started for the Yankees and pitched 7 dominant innings. Kuroda allowed just 1 run on 3 hits with 9 strikeouts as his slider and sinker were moving very well for his 10th win of the season. David Robertson pitched a perfect 8th inning that included 2 strikeouts. Rafael Soriano pitched a perfect 9th inning to get his 25th save of the season.
The story of the day was the debut of Ichiro Suzuki. Wearing number 31 and taking his usual spot in right field but batting in the 8th spot for the first time in his career, he acknowledged the Seattle crowd’s standing ovation in his first appearances when taking the field and his first at-bat. In his first at-bat as a Yankee, Ichiro hit a single up the middle and would eventually steal second. Ichiro would go 1 for 4 in his Yankees debut. Four hits and a walk manufactured three runs in the 4th inning as Mark Teixeira had a great offensive night. The Yankees first baseman had 3 hits in tonight’s game including 2 doubles, one of which brought in 1 of the 3 runs in the big 4th inning. That inning would be the difference for Kevin Millwood as he surrendered just those 3 runs over his 7 innings of work. In what seems nearly a requirement of the Yankees win, former Mariner Alex Rodriguez hit a solo home run to lead off the 8th inning. A successful debut for Ichiro Suzuki and another strong outing by Hiroki Kuroda ended the 4-game losing streak they accumulated in the series against Oakland.
Win – Hiroki Kuroda (10-7)
Loss – Kevin Millwood (3-8)
Save – Rafael Soriano (25)
Notable
Yankees
*Mark Teixeira – 3 for 4, R, 2 2B, RBI (66)
*Alex Rodriguez – 2 for 4, 2 R, 2B, Solo Home Run (15) in the 8th, RBI (44)
Mariners
*John Jaso – 2 for 4, RBI (25)
*Casper Wells – 1 for 4, 2B
Current Yankees Record: 58-38
