Yankees Fall To Orioles In Extra Frames

Things today went from perfect to worse in snap of a finger. The Rays had already lost and the Yankees were 3 outs away from lengthening their slim AL East lead to 1.5 games. Mariano Rivera was on the mound which usually means ball game over, Yankees win. And then Luke Scott put a ball over the wall to tie the game at 3. The Yankees had their shots to win the game but never could seal the deal. Game over, Orioles win. Son of a B.

The Yankees had so many chances to win the game today. But as they've done in recent weeks they just couldn't deliver the knockout punch. How many time's do I have to say it? It's the "start" button. A little Mike Tyson's Punch Out reference for you. Where was I? Oh yeah. They had their shots today but just couldn't do it. Bases loaded w/1 out in the 4th and just 1 run. 1st and 3rd w/1 out in the 6th and no runs. And the worst of all. Runner on 3rd w/no outs and bases loaded w/1 out in the 11th and no runs. Horrible. They were 2-10 with RISP today. Epic fail. That won't win you ballgames.

If there's anything positive to take from today's game it's that Andy Pettitte's back and it doesn't look like he's missed a beat. He had a great outing today. Too bad the offense and the bullpen spoiled it for him. He deserved the W. But he's back. He's healthy. He's good. It's going to be nice to have him getting the ball every 5 days. Welcome back Andy. Missed ya.

I'm a day late on this but congrats to CC Sabathia for winning his 20th game yesterday. I know "wins" is a flawed statistic but you have to be good to win 20 games. There aren't many better than CC right now. He have the team a much needed win. It's hard to believe that it's the first time CC has ever won 20 games. Hitting that mark earns him membership in "The Black Aces." CC becomes the club;s 14th member. Not too shabby. Congrats.

The magic # to clinch a playoff spot still sits at 7. It's hard to imagine that a 7 game lead with 13 to play isn't safe. But you never know. I sure didn't think the Yankees were going to roll of a 2-8 streak. It's still hard to fathom though that their postseason ticket won't be punched soon. Preferably it happens soon so they can rest guys up. The important thing now is crossing the finish line healthy. Huge series starts tomorrow as the Rays come to town for 4 games. It's a pretty big homestand actually. Boston comes in for 3 right after. I think the Yankees have to at least go 4-3 on this homestand. Taking at least 3 from the Rays would be huge. But this has to be a winning homestand. It's crunch time. 2 weeks left to go. Where did the time go? Seems like just yesterday the season started.

Peace, love and Pinstripes,

J-Boogie