Four-Run Seventh, Damon Lead Yankees to Win over Blue Jays
August 5, 2009 · A.J. Martelli · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Losing 3-2 in the top of the seventh inning of Wednesday’s game, the New York Yankees broke free and scored four runs, leading them to an 8-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
With the Jays ahead by one run, Nick Swisher started the inning with a solo home run to left, giving him 18 on the year, to tie the game at three.
Hideki Matsui gave the Yanks the lead with a pinch-hit RBI single to score Robinson Cano. Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira each knocked in a run with a single, giving the Yankees a 6-3 lead.
Along with their RBIs in the seventh, Damon and Teixeira each knocked in a run in the top of third.
Eric Hinske added an RBI with a sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth, and Damon crushed his 19th home run of the season in the top of the ninth to pad the lead and complete the Yankee offense on the night.
“We didn’t quit tonight,” Damon told the YES Network after the game.
“We did not know a lot about the starting pitcher (Marc Rzepczynski), but everyone helped out. We are just hoping to find that groove that can take us a long way.”
Damon ended the night 3-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored.
The Blue Jays pushed four runs across the plate, seeing early run production from Vernon Wells and Alex Rios, who each recorded RBI singles in the bottom of the first.
Adam Lind and Marco Scutaro each had a solo home run for the Jays, capping off their offense in the game.
Sergio Mitre started for the Yankees, and once again failed to make a quality start. He lasted four-and-a-third innings, giving up three earned runs on eight hits, while walking two and striking out three.
“I thought he did a pretty good job,” Yankee skipper Joe Girardi said of Mitre’s performance. “They made him work hard and he got a little tired at the end there, but I think he did alright.”
Alfredo Aceves got the win in relief and improved his season record to 7-1 while the “Phil-thies”, Phil Hughes and Phil Coke, each recorded a hold.
The Yankees finished their nine-game road trip at 5-4, and are 2 ½ games up in the American League East, and will now head back to the Bronx to open a crucial four-game series with the Boston Red Sox.
“We need to try to beat them,” Damon continued.
“We know what’s at stake and we have to be flawless.”
The Yankees are 0-8 against the Red Sox this season, but also own a record of 35-17 at home.
“We’ve been hearing about how we haven’t beat the Red Sox this year, but so what?” Swisher added. “We are a different team now. We are ready to go home and get it on.”
Tomorrow night, Joba Chamberlain (7-2, 3.58 ERA) will get the ball for the Yankees. He will be opposed by John Smoltz (2-4, 7.12 ERA).
Media Credit: YES Network
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