Here is the universe according to Joba: at the tender young age of 22 the kid pitches at Fenway Park and pitches a gem, outdueling Red Sox ace, Josh Beckett (who, by the way, was 3-0 against the Yankees this season). In 7 innings Joba allowed no runs on three hits (all singles) and a walk, while striking out nine. Joba also retired the last 10 batters he faced. He threw 103 pitches on the night, 69 of them for strikes. He’s pitched well as a starter, but this was by far his best performance. Especially in such a heated atmosphere. I believe this boy thrives on pressure. Sheer pressure. Take that Hughes and Kennedy, learn something from your teammate.
Kyle Farnsworth came in for the 8th and ran into a bit of trouble. He allowed a leadoff single to Jed Lowrie, got Jason Varitek to pop out, and then allowed an infield single to Coco Crisp, and that would be all. Mariano came into the game, and was his dominant self. If he doesn’t win the Cy Young this year, or even the MVP, I consider this a travesty. Mo’s line last night: In 1.2 innings pitched Mo allowed no runs on one hit, while striking out three and walking none. He is now 26-for-26 in save opportunities.
The Yanks scored only one run. Against Beckett in the third inning, nobody on and two out, then Bobby Abreu and Alex Rodriguez both singled, setting up 1st and 3rd with two out for Jason Giambi. Giambi then fought off and 0-1 pitch and punched it through the vacated hole at shortstop (courtesy of the famous Giambi shift) and the Yanks had their lead.
The win was the Yanks seventh in a row, and moves the Yanks to a season-high 12 games over .500 with a 57-45 record. Now the Yanks are heavily breathing down the Sox’s back, only 2 games behind.
Today it’s Pettitte on the mound. I’ll bet the farm that Manny Ramirez and his “sore knee” will be back in the line up. Anyone want to guess why Ramirez didn’t play yesterday? Yeah, me too.
