The 2 Hit Wonder
By JoeDavis
Sidney Ponson pitched a two-hitter Saturday allowing only three Yankees to reach base. Ponson pitched a complete game shutout striking out 4 for his fifth complete game of the year and his fourth career shutout.
Mussina received his 9th loss this year evening his record to 9-9 in a game he didn't pitch that badly. He allowed two earned runs in 7 innings, while striking out 8. It was his best start since June 6th when he pitched 8 innings, allowed 1 run to score and he struck out 10. Mussina's last win was June 27th against the Mets.
Mariano Rivera gave up 4 runs, all earned, while pitching 1/3 innings. Rivera was brought in to hold the Orioles to a two run lead in the ninth but instead allowed the Orioles to put the game out of reach giving up a home run to Rafael Palmeiro and an RBI single to Larry Bigbie. Brad Prinz was brought in and promptly surrendered a home run to Brian Roberts and scoring the two runners left on base by Rivera.
Click here for a recap by Ap Sports Writer Mike Fitzpatrick on Yahoo!
The Yankees caught a break however as the Texas Rangers ended the Red Hot Red Sox winning streak at ten. The Rangers won by a score of 8-6 at Fenway, allowing the Yankees to preserve their incredible shrinking lead at 2 1/2 games.
