With the game on the line heading into the ninth last night, the Yankees trailed the Oakland A’s 4-2. After a one-out home run from Nick Swisher, it looked like there was still a spark left as they pulled within one. But Ryan Cook quickly diminished those hopes and retired the next to batter to hang on for a 4-3 win.
Perhaps it was the jet-lag that got to the team from their cross-cou try trip the night before, because prior to that loss they’ve been on a roll. The pinstripes are 5-2 since the All-Star break and have kept it hot all month long with a 10-5 record in July.
Due to a lack-luster performance by Freddy Garcia, as well as a quiet night at the plate, the Yankees will look to bounce back from last night’s loss when Ivan Nova takes to the mound tonight. Nova hasn’t had his best month of baseball and will need to turn it back around. He’s just 1-2 in July while holding a high 5.00 ERA. The A’s jumped on Garcia early last night, so Nova will need his best stuff right out of the gate tonight to prevent a repeat. Nova has been pretty solid this season and just needs to find his stride again to finish out the month strong. Being on the road may give him a better chance to do so as well, winning 13 of his last 14 away decisions.
A’s lefty, Tommy Milone, will face the hot Bomber lineup tonight, who is 9-6 with a 3.54 ERA on the year. His lack of experience against this explosive opposing offense may come back to hurt him. The offense has been going full steam ahead as well, scoring at least three runs in every game this month, a minimum of four in all of their wins. Robinson Cano is maintaining a 22-game hit streak and has been leading the Bombers as of late. The pitching hasn’t been so consistent but the bats have made up for it.
The Yankees currently sit atop the MLB with baseball’s best record right now. But never comfortable in New York, the Yankees will strive for continued dominance and get back their winning ways with a victory tonight.
New York Yankees (57-35)
Derek Jeter, SS
Curtis Granderson, CF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Robinson Cano, DH
Nick Swisher, RF
Andruw Jones, LF
Jayson Nix, 2B
Russell Martin, C
Pitching: RHP Ivan Nova (10-4, 4.18 ERA)
Game Time: 10:05 p.m. EST. at Oakland Coliseum
TV: YES
Radio: WCBS 880, WADO 1280
