Yanks Take Another One
By Geoff Marks
It seems that the Yankees have taken another one against the Jays, this time with an 8-7 outcome. The scoring started off against Jay pitcher Justin Miller in the first with a one-run shot from Derek Jeter. This was followed up in the second with a Matsui solo homer, and then in the fifth it was Bernie taking a pitch yard off of Miller with a man on. Matsui again contributes with a RBI sac fly, and Olerud with an RBI single. Also receiving RBI’s are Ruben Sierra and Kenny Lofton on bases-loaded walks.
Eight runs should be a big enough lead to close out a game, shouldn’t it? But then again, it was Loaiza starting on the mound for the Yanks. Now Loaiza hasn’t really been shutting down the opposition like the Yankee management has hoped, and this day was no exception. Loaiza was sent to the showers after allowing four runs on seven hits in 4 and 1/3 innings. Joe Torre made the decision and replaced Loaiza with former Jay, Tanyon Sturtz, and it paid off. Sturtz did an amazing job, K-ing three, and allowing two runners on base in 2.1 innings. CJ Nitkowski came in and faced one batter, Carlos Delgado, who hit a three-run shot to bring the Jay’s within one run. Then in the ninth Gordon closed it out with the save, his 4th of the year. Mariano had the night off.
Final score 8-7, with Sturtz getting the win. Justin Miller is given the loss and his record drops to 2-3. Tom Gordon receives the save, his fourth. With the Yankees and the Red Sox both winning, the standings stay the same; only 5-1/2 games back for the Sox.
Sources- www.yankees.com
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