July 28, 2008

Home games: Yankees host Orioles, feisty Angels

NewYorkology contributor Scott Ross keeps you abreast of upcoming Mets and Yankees home games in New York City. Ross toils in anonymity for a giant online news aggregator. Here’s your look at major league baseball in New York City this week:

The Yankees came out of the All-Star break firing on all cylinders. They made quick work of the Oakland A’s and Minnesota Twins, outscoring them 38-11 over the course of six games. Then early during Friday’s game in Boston it was announced that the Bombers had acquired leftfielder Xavier Nady and lefty reliever Damaso Marte from the Pittsburg Pirates, filling two glaring holes in the team’s roster.

A few hours later, Joba Chamberlain was the victor in a great match-up against Josh Beckett, as the Yankees won the first 1-0 game at Fenway between the two teams since 2001, when Jurassic Carl broke up Mike Mussina’s perfect game in the ninth inning. Adding further spice to the mix was Chamberlain buzzing a pitch near Kevin Youkilis’ head for the fourth time over eight plate appearances going back to August 2007. It’s impossible to know if it’s intentional, but it sure seems to be.

The following night saw the Yankees bury Sox starter Tim Wakefield and then take a bite out of Boston’s shaky bullpen. On the other side of the ball, Marte immediately paid dividends, striking out David Ortiz on three pitches and helping secure a 10-3 win. The Yankees, who had been six games in back of Boston at the All Star Game, found themselves heading into Sunday only one game back in the Wild Card race.

But the Yankees had Sydney Ponson taking the ball last night. Over the course of four innings he surrendered 10 hits, including five doubles and an Ortiz home run en route to allowing seven runs. Meanwhile, Sox lefty Jon “Cancer Boy” Lester – who had thrown a shutout against the Yanks in the Bronx on July 3 – was again masterful, striking out eight in seven innings of two-run ball, leading to a 9-2 Boston win.

After a three-game set against the O’s, the Yankees will play host to the Los Anaheim Angels, a team that has given them fits for years. The irony of course is that the Halos have given the Bombers fits by playing the kind of ball — aggressive base running, hit-and-run, sac bunts — New York did back when they were winning championships. Sunday will offer the best match-up of the week, with John Lackey facing Mike Mussina, but the Jar Gripper Night sponsored by Goya foods makes Thursday’s game the one to catch.

Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees
Monday @ 7:05, Jeremy Guthrie (6-8) vs. Darrell Rasner (5-7), Keychain Night
Tuesday @ 7:05, Daniel Cabrera (6-6) vs. Mike Mussina (13-6), Derek Jeter UNO Card Pack Day
Wednesday @ 1:05, Brian Burres (7-7) vs. Joba Chamberlain (3-3), Travel Mug Day

Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees
Thursday @ 7:05, Jon Garland (8-6) vs. Andy Pettitte (11-7), Jar Gripper Night
Friday @ 7:05, Ervin Santana (11-4) vs. Sydney Ponson (6-1)
Saturday @ 1:05, Jered Weaver (8-8) vs. Darrell Rasner (5-7)
Sunday @ 1:05, John Lackey (8-2) vs. Mike Mussina (13-6)

Next Week: The Yankees head to Texas to play the Rangers before going on to Los Anaheim for three more against the Angels, while the Metropolitans play host to San Diego and Florida.

Tickets to Yankees games can be purchased here. See NewYorkology’s guide to Yankee Stadium for the rundown on how to get there, where to meet, eat and eventually, sit.

Image source: New York Yankees Authentic Game Performance 59FIFTY On-Field Cap w/2008 All-Star Patch

July 28, 2008 7:16 AM in Kids, Out of Manhattan, Sports

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