This entire game was an absolute mess, not even worth a full recap and my time. Not only did A.J. Burnett stink (3.1 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 3 BB, 3 K), but the Yankees played a simply atrocious game in the field. Somehow they were only charged with one error (on a Frankie Cervelli throw), but there were numerous wild pitches/passed balls, a few airmailed throws by Nick Swisher (who hit a garbage time homer), and just generally horrific decision making all night. The kids playing in the Little League World Series this week had better fundamentals.
Derek Jeter grounded into yet another double play and Mark Teixeira popped the ball up on the infield what felt like a millions times. Seriously, he must lead the planet in infield pops even with his second half surge. Just a poor, poor showing all around, and Joe Girardi was visibly pissed in the dugout. He seemed to indicate during his post-game press conference that Burnett might be skipped next time through, but the problems tonight extended beyond the starting pitcher. Girardi seriously needs to find a way to get everyone’s head out of their collective asses. Losing four of your last seven games (against non-contenders, no less) isn’t going to cut it at this time of year. At least the Rays lost, so the Yanks remain tied atop the AL East, but Boston is the team that beat them, so they crept to within four-and-a-half games of the Wild Card spot.
The two best players on the field for the Yanks tonight were Ramiro Pena (numerous great defensive plays, stolen base that led to a run) and Sergio Mitre (4.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, 10-4 GB/FB in relief). Think about that.
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