August 1, 1996: Yankees salvage series finale against Texas
The Yankees finally defeated the Texas Rangers tonight, salvaging the final game of a three-game set in Arlington by a score of 6-5. Kenny Rogers, pitching against his former team, tossed five and two-thirds innings while allowing two runs on four hits. As these two teams head on a collision course for a possible postseason matchup, manager Joe Torre understands the importance of winning games on the road - especially on the Rangers' home turf. ''We needed one here,'' Torre said. ''We might come back here again. We have to know that we can win here. It looked like it was going to be easier than it was, but we got it.'' (Via NY Times) After Rogers, Torre handed his four-run lead over to Mariano Rivera, who has been close to unhittable this season. However, Rivera proved he was human, allowing three runs on five hits over one and two-thirds innings. ''I knew how important this game was, so that's why I tried so hard,'' Rivera said. ''I know we had to win. What's happened is past.'' (Via NY Times) John Wetteland closed out the final five outs to secure the win, stranding the tying run on second in the eighth and ninth inning. This marks the Yankees' first victory against Texas in over a year. Cecil Fielder made his Yankees debut, going 1-for-5 on the night. His hit came in the sixth inning, sparking a three-run rally which broke a 2-2 tie. The offense was paced by Joe Girardi, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI. Girardi put the Yankees on top in the second when he doubled in two runs off Ranger starter Ken Hill. The 31-year-old catcher added RBI singles in the sixth and eighth to cap the Yankees scoring. For Fielder, the change of scenery is welcome. 24 hours ago, he was on one of the worst teams in baseball. Now, he's on one of the best. ''I can tell the feeling is different here,'' Fielder said. ''Everybody comes to work. I like this atmosphere. I'm happy to be part of it.'' (Via NY Times) The Yankees now head to Kansas City. Dwight Gooden will start against Kevin Appier. Notes:
Newly acquired David Weathers will start the second game against the Royals.
Box score and current stats
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Yankees 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 6 11 0
Rangers 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 5 9 1
Batting AB R H RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG
Boggs 3B 4 0 0 0 1 0 .315 .395 .400
B.Williams CF 5 0 0 0 0 2 .304 .390 .528
ONeill RF 3 0 2 0 2 0 .306 .428 .457
Fielder DH 5 1 1 0 0 0 .247 .353 .475
Martinez 1B 4 2 2 0 0 1 .296 .356 .457
Strawberry LF 3 3 2 1 1 0 .243 .369 .429
G.Williams LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 .290 .342 .467
Duncan 2B 2 0 1 1 0 0 .328 .343 .469
Fox 2B 1 0 0 0 0 1 .199 .289 .270
Girardi C 4 0 3 4 0 0 .314 .370 .392
Jeter SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 .296 .361 .400
2B:Girardi (18);Duncan (20);O'Neill (25).
RBI:Girardi 4 (33);Duncan (36);Strawberry (13).
Pitching IP H R ER BB SO ERA
Rogers W (8-5) 5.2 4 2 2 0 3 4.52
Rivera H (21) 1.2 5 3 3 0 0 1.82
Wetteland S (37) 1.2 0 0 0 1 2 3.10