I hate to say that the Yankees ever have to win a game, but I think, for tonight, I’m going to go with this one: If the Yankees don’t win tonight, it will be extremely hard for them to make the playoffs. Of course, even if they do win tonight, it’ll still be extremely hard for them to make the playoffs.
Left to the task of winning tonight’s game is Sidney Ponson. The Aruban is 3-3 with a 5.46 ERA while on the Yankees, and his WHIP remains a lofty 1.61. He last faced the Red Sox on July 3rd and gave up seven earned runs in four innings. The Yanks are going to need a better effort from Ponson tonight.
Opposing Sir Sidney will be Paul Byrd. The righty, a post-deadline acquisition for the Red Sox, is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 13.1 innings for Boston. On the season, he’s 8-11 with a 4.61 ERA. While Byrd bounced the Yanks from the playoffs last year, he’s been far less successful this year. Against the Bombers, he is 1-1 but with a 6.75 ERA. He has allowed six Yankee home runs in 12 innings this year. Slugfest, anyone?
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
A. Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Nady LF
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
I. Rodriguez C
Ponson P
Repeating History:Yes, Jason Giambi and Alex Rodriguez are still hitting back-to-back in the lineup. Giambi since the All Star Break is hitting .232/.355/.414 with six home runs, but he’s gone deep twice against Byrd this season.
A “God Bless America” Brouhaha: Deadspin has an alarming report about a fan who got roughed up by the cops and kicked out of the Stadium last night after failing to show what the police officers viewed as proper respect for Kate Smith. We covered this issue in May of 2007, but this development sounds like one ugly incident.
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