Yankees Game 77: Bullpen can't hold off Rangers
Joba Chamberlain could not figure it out, giving up two hits on four runs in tonight's loss. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Texas Rangers 8 -- New York Yankees 5
Bullpen is unable to keep the game close in tonight's 8-5 loss to the Texas Rangers.
The Yankees got the first lead off of rookie pitcher Justin Grimm in the second inning. Lyle Overbay hit his ninth home run of the season to the Yankees bullpen. But the Rangers would respond in the top of the third.
After a lead-off bunt single by yesterday's two home run star, Leonys Martin and a stolen base, Ian Kinsler would walk. A throwing error by Jayson Nix would load the bases for Nelson Cruz. Pettitte would get him to strike out but Adrian Beltre would put the Rangers ahead with a two-run double to left field. A.J. Pierzynski would follow with a double of his own to right center field for two more runs. By the time the inning ended, the Yankees trailed by a score of 4-1.
The Yankees would begin a rally in the sixth inning with a single by Brett Gardner off of the glove of Justin Grimm. Ichiro Suzuki would follow with a double to right field to put runners on second and third with no one out. Robinson Cano and Travis Hafner would follow with a pair of singles to bring them within one of a tie game. Lyle Overbay would strike out with some poor plate vision, swinging at two out of the zone. Coincidentally, rookie Zoilo Almonte would show good plate discipline and earned a walk to load the bases. But Jayson Nix would hit into a double play and kill the rally.
In the seventh inning, the game was handed over to the bullpen. Tonight, that was unfortunate news.
With the score at 4-3, the Yankees turned to Joba Chamberlain and after the first out, Elvis Andrus would single to left field. Nelson Cruz would take a hanging slider into left center field for a two-run home run. The Rangers recovered the runs they had just given up. Chamberlain would give up a couple more hits but Preston Claiborne would help him finish off the inning.
Vernon Wells would pinch-hit for Chris Stewart and get a single and after two more outs, Ichiro Suzuki would come up. The hero of last night would hit a two-run home run to bring the Yankees back again, making it 6-5 and giving the Yankees another opportunity to complete the comeback. Boone Logan and Shawn Kelley would finish the eighth inning with the one-run deficit still within reach.
A single and a dropped catch by Brett Gardner put runners on second and third with one out. Lance Berkman and Mitch Moreland would bring in the two unearned runs and closer Joe Nathan would hold onto the three-run lead to defeat the Yankees.
The bullpen gave up four of the eight runs in tonight's game but the defense also played a role in that as two of those runs were unearned. The notable stat line out of the bullpen was Joba Chamberlain. In just 0.2 of an inning, Chamberlain gave up two runs on four hits with one being the Cruz two-run home run.
This was the first loss of the season when the Yankees scored five or more runs. (24-1)
Win - Justin Grimm (7-5)
Loss - Andy Pettitte (5-6)
Save - Joe Nathan (26)
Notables
Rangers
*Adrian Beltre - 3 for 5, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI (41)
*Nelson Cruz - 1 for 5, R, 2-Run Home Run (20) in the 7th, 2 RBI (57)
Yankees
*Ichiro Suzuki - 3 for 4, 2 R, 2B, 2-Run Home Run (5) in the 7th, 2 RBI (18)
*Lyle Overbay - 1 for 4, R, Solo Home Run (9) in the 2nd, RBI (34)
Current Yankees Record: 42-35
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