September 19, 2012
Game 1:
It has been a while since we have seen the big lefty ace on the mound but today Andy Pettitte returned on the hill for the Yankees in the first game of a day-night double header against the Toronto Blue Jays in the Bronx. Pettitte returning from the DL since going on the injured list on June 27, it was a great welcome back as he pitched an impressive 5 scoreless innings with 3 strikeouts in a 4-2 Yankee victory. Despite Manager Joe Girardi's close eye on his veteran's pitch count and outing, Andy ended up pitching those 5 innings earning a win, and more importantly helping the Yankees win.
The Yankees jumped out into an early 3-0 lead in the first inning. Ichiro Suzuki went 3-4 in the victory and the Yankee offense gelled and manufactured the early runs. Although a questionably decision by Joe Girardi to use six relievers including Derek Lowe, Clay Rapada, Joba Chamberlain, Boone Logan, and David Robertson to pick up in the sixth inning, the bullpen was able to piece it together for the remainder of the game. Rafael Soriano came in in the eighth inning during a 2 Out bases loaded jam and got the Yankees out of it while picking up a 4 Out save and his 41st on the year.
As for Pettitte, the Yankees were grateful to have him back and his brief but quality outing give the Yankees more depth in their starting rotation.
Game 2:
Earlier today, with six relief pitchers used in Game 1 of the double header against the Blue Jays, it was clear that David Phelps was expected to give the Yankees quality innings and pitch deep into the game. However things got a bit dicey in the top of the second when Phelps pitch count began to go up and allowed an RBI single to Adeiny Hechavarria giving the Blue Jays a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the second, the Yankees came right back against Toronto Starter Ricky Romero as Chris Stewart ripped a 2-Out RBI ground-rule double down the left-field line scoring Ichiro Suzuki to tie the game at 1-1.
David Phelps then settled and went on to pitch 6.1 innings and only allowing a run on three hits.
Phelps would leave in the 7th inning with no decision paving the way for Boone Logan and Cody Eppley. Still tied in the bottom of the 8th inning, Curtis Granderson already on base would steal third. With 2 Outs, and Ichiro at the plate facing lefty reliever Aaron Loop, Ichiro Suzuki would flip one over into left-field scoring Curtis Granderson for the go-ahead run giving the Yankees a 2-1 lead. Ichiro would go on to steal 2nd base, and if that weren't enough, he would steal third base as well. Ichiro would go 4-4 including a big go-ahead hit and add 4 stolen bases to that in Game 2. Cody Eppley would pick up the win in relief. Rafael Soriano would close it out for his 42nd save and second save of the day as the Yankees go on to win it 2-1 and beat the Jays a second time in the double-header.
After the game Joe Girardi had reaction to their veteran outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, "Unbelievable day and the 2 Out hit capped it off, he's been swinging the bat good for us", Girardi said. It was earlier today that Girardi had decisions to make regarding whether or not to start Andruw Jones in game 2 against a lefty. With Jones batting barely .200 and with only 9 hits in the last two-months, it was clear the Skipper would go to Ichiro. In fact Ichiro Suzuki would pick up 7 hits today and go 7-8 in both games with an impressive 4 stolen bases in the second game, that would be his 3rd time in his career with 4 steals in a game. After the game, media reporters asked him about his rising hot streak late in the season, "I haven't done anything different today, i don't know what the difference was", a smiling and charismatic Ichiro with his translator remarked. Ichiro added that all he had his mind on was to, "contribute and be a part of this pennant race and continue to do what i can to help this team". Help the team he did, and Ichiro shined his old-self again. His hot streak comes at a critical point in the season and certainly can benefit a Yankee offense that seems to go streaky at times.
With the win, the Yankees win the second game of the day-night double header against the Blue Jays and the Yankees lead the Orioles by a game in the AL East. The Orioles play the Seattle Mariners tonight.
B.C Sports,
Brian Chin
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