Top Twenty Moments of the Year in New York Sports

The count down continues of the top moments from 2012...

Here are moments 15-11

15. Eli Manning passes Phill Simms as the Giants All-Time leader in touchdown passes. 

Eli Manning has been criticized, praised, criticized again, and praised again during his career with the Giants. On November 25, 2012 against the Green Bay Packers,  Manning passed Giants great Phil Simms for the most touchdown passes in franchise history, and maybe the greatest Giants quarterback. Manning hit Hakeem Nicks inside the Packer ten yard line, and Nicks did the rest just barely breaking the plane of the end zone for the score. It was Manning's third TD pass of the night and the 200th of his career.

14. McElroy leads game-winning touchdown drive after replacing Sanchez. 

It happened less than a week ago, but Jet fans have been calling for Mark Sanchez's benching for a month. It has been a dreadful year for Sanchez, and after his three picks and no point performance through the first two and a half quarters, Rex Ryan decided to put in McElroy. The change electrified the crowd and the team, and McElroy stepped up and led the Jets down the field for the eventual game winning score. McElroy  hit tight end Jeff Cumberland for a one yard score, and his first career touchdown pass. Can McElroy take the Jets over the .500 mark this season? You will have wait until Sanchez gets benched against Jacksonville because Sanchez is the starter.

13. Rangers clinch first place in the Eastern Conference. 

When was the last time Ranger fans could say they had their team was the one seed going into the playoffs? It was the 1993-1994 season, and the Rangers went on to win the Stanley Cup. Stats like this gave Ranger fans hope that their team would make it back to the promised land. Well that and having the Vezina Trophy winner between the pipes. Unfortunately the Rangers could not get by their Hudson River rivals, the New Jersey Devils in the Conference Finals. Great to see the Rangers take the top spot in the East last year, now it's time for them to bring the cup back to New York (if there's a season this year).

12. Jeter fractures ankle in Game 1 of the ALCS.

The Yankees had tied Game 1 of the ALCS three innings earlier and seemed to have some momentum on their side. But in the 12th inning Derek Jeter ranged to his left to field a routine ground ball. Jeter landed awkwardly on the ground and did not get up. X-rays revealed a fractured ankle for Jeter, who's Yankees ended up losing Game 1 6-4 in twelve innings. Jeter's injury seemed to have sucked the life out of the Yankees fans and players. Jeter missed the rest of the series, and the Yankees were swept by the Tigers in four games.

11. Kreider delivers for Rangers against Ottawa. 

The Rangers were on the brink of exiting the playoffs, and it was only the first round. They say the playoffs is a brand new season and anything can happen, but the Rangers could not afford to get bounced this early after the season they had. The Rangers called up Chris Kreider, who was fresh off a National Championship victory with Boston College, to replace a concussed Brian Boyle. In just his fourth career NHL game, all in the playoffs, Kreider delivered for the Blueshirts. After trailing the Senators 1-0, Derek Stepan tied the game nine minutes into the second period. Brad Richards gave the Rangers the lead with a power play goal late in the period. With under a minute left in the period the Ottawa defense broke down and Stepan hit Kreider who slipped behind the defense, and Kreider buried his first career goal. Ottawa would score with under a minute to go in the game, but that was all. The Rangers won the game 3-2, Kreider had his first game winner, and the series moved back to the Garden for a Game 7 the Rangers would win 2-1.

Up Next: We start the Top Ten Moments from 2012.

Yankees Season Rests on Arm of Hughes

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With the Yankees in an 0-2 hole in the American League Championship Series, Joe Girardi will depend on Phil Hughes to save the Bombers season. 

The Yankees will be in Detroit for Game 3 tonight against the Tigers, and feel that maybe going on the road to play will help the team loosen up and get out of their offensive funk. The Yankee offense has been non existent this postseason, and have now put the Yankees two games away from elimination, and every game becoming a must win. So, much for loosening up at the plate. The Yankees lineup has struggled from top to bottom, with few bright spots. 

Raul Ibanez has carried the Yankee offense this postseason with three home runs, all coming in the ninth inning or later to to tie or win the game. Ichiro Suzuki has also been hot at the plate, especially in the ALCS. Suzuki is hitting .400 with a home run and two RBI. After Suzuki and Ibanez, no Yankee is hitting above .250 this series, and have combined for zero home runs along with zero RBI. 

The Yankee pitching has kept this team in the postseason, and still give the Yankees hope if they can continue to keep the Tigers lineup at bay. Tonight the task of taming the Tigers is given to Phil Hughes. In Hughes' ALDS start, he went 6 2/3 innings, giving up four hits, striking out eight, and the only run he allowed was a solo home run. 

Hughes will be facing the reigning AL Cy Young and AL MVP winner Justin Verlander tonight. Hughes faced Verlander in Detroit during the regular season, and out dueled Verlander with a complete game. Hughes allowed four hits and a solo home run in the Yankees 5-1 win over the Tigers. Unfortunately for Hughes, he will have to put up a similar performance tonight, and hope the Yankee bats can get him any kind of run support. 

Every game has become do or die for the Yankees, and a loss tonight in Detroit spells the end of the season for the Bronx Bombers who have been anything but. If the Yankees need some inspiration to climb out of this hole they have dug, perhaps they should look at the 2004 ALCS where they were up three games to none on the Boston Red Sox, and ended losing the series 4-3. 

Game 3 between the Yankees and Tigers will start at 8:00 pm tonight.

Yankees Bounce Back Against Blue Jays

Yankees vs Blue Jays Post Game Recap 8/28

The Yankees were able to bounce back from a tough loss on Monday with a win on Tuesday over the Blue Jays beating them by a score of 2-1.

Phil Hughes looked really good in earning his 13^th win of the season. Hughes went seven innings allowing four hits, three walks, one run, and had 5 strikeouts. Hughes was able to reach a career milestone with his final strikeout in the 7^th inning it was his 500^th of his career.

Rafael Soriano was able to have a bounce back night after his blown save on Monday. Soriano looked on point and was lighting up the radar gun striking out two batters, and earned his 34^th save of the season.

Nick Swisher getting the start at first base for the injured Teixeira was able to keep his bat hot going 1 for 3 with a RBI base hit, and a walk.

Newly reacquired Steve Pearce played his first game in the majors for the Yankees after playing in the minors for them earlier in the season. Pearce was thrown into the cleanup spot showing how weak the Yankees order can be against lefties. He wasn’t able to get a hit going 0 for 2 with a walk, and run scored.

Jayson Nix got the start at third base due to a lefty pitching and Casey McGehee being sent down until September call ups, and was able to go 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Yankees will be looking to take the rubber game on Thursday afternoon, as C.C Sabathia (13-3, 3.44) will face J.A Happ (2-1, 4.15).

Mark Teixeira Injures Calf

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Mark Teixeira Injures Calf

Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira suffered a strained calf in the 4th inning causing him to leave them game after scoring on a base hit by Russell Martin.

The injury was diagnosed as a grade 1 calf strain the same injury that caused Derek Jeter to miss 3 weeks last year. The Yankees are expecting Teixeira to miss around 1-2 weeks which will be a big blow to a lineup that is already missing Alex Rodriguez.

"I don't know; It could be as little as a week," said Teixeira, whose calf was wrapped in the locker room. "Or it could be two weeks, but I don't really know."

The Yankees will have options to fill in for Teixeira at first, as Nick Swisher, Eric Chavez, Casey McGehee, and newly reacquired Steve Pearce can all play the position giving Girardi some options.

Mark Teixeira was hitting .255 with 23 homeruns, and 81 RBIs batting mostly in the cleanup spot for the Yankees.

The Yankees will be entering a tough spot in their schedule with lots of important division games, and will try to hold on to their slim 3.5 game lead over the Orioles while they try to get healthy.

Yankees Lose to Blue Jays in Extras

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Yankees vs. Blue Jays Post Game Recap 8/27

The Yankees suffered a tough extra innings loss to the Blue Jays losing to the Jays 8-7 in 11 innings after having the lead most of the game.

David Phelps did a good job filling in for Ivan Nova, as Phelps left the game in position to pick up the win. Phelps went 6.1 innings allowing five hits, one walk, four runs, and had seven strikeouts. The long ball did hurt Phelps a bit, as he gave up a solo shot to Adam Lind, and a two-run shot to Yorit Torrealba.

It looked like the Yankees were on their way to the win with a two run lead in the 9th and Rafael Soriano on the mound but he was unable to get it done. Soriano gave up a three-run homerun to Colby Rasmus which gave the Blue Jays a 7-6 lead at the time.

Derek Lowe picked up the loss in extras, as a costly error by Lowe on a pickoff attempt to first base allowed Mike McCoy to go to third base and later scored the game winning run.

Captain Clutch Derek Jeter was able to come thru in a big spot hitting a game tying solo homerun in the bottom of the 9th inning for his 14th homer of the season.

Nick Swisher was able to hit a two-run shot in the 5th inning for his 20th homerun of the season, but was 1 for 6 in the game with three strikeouts.

Robinson Cano is heating up at the right time for the Yankees now, as Cano was able to hit two solo homeruns for his 26th and 27th homeruns of the season.

Eric Chavez when in the lineup continues to play well going 3 for 4 with a walk, and run scored.

The Yankees may have suffered another big injury blow to the team as Mark Teixeira left the game in the 4th inning with a grade 1 calf strain and is expected to miss some time.

The Yankees will look to rebound after the tough loss, as Phil Hughes (12-11, 4.15) will face Ricky Romero (8-11, 5.63).

Yankees Reacquire Steve Pearce

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Yankees Reacquire Steve Pearce

The New York Yankees were able to get first base/outfielder Steve Pearce back from the Houston Astros for cash.

Pearce was on the Yankees playing in the minors until June 2nd before he was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles. Pearce was playing very well in Scranton hitting .318 with 11 homeruns, and 30 RBIs. He was designated for assignment by the Orioles, and picked up by the Astros where he hit .254 with 8 RBIs.

In order to make room for Pearce the Yankees designated Brandon Laird for assignment. The Yankees will hope Pearce can give them a right handed bat off the bench, as they have struggled hitting lefties since Alex Rodriguez went to the DL.

Yankees Take Rubber Game Against Indians

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Yankees vs. Indians Post Game Recap 8/26

The New York Yankees were able to beat the Indians by a score of 4-2 to take the rubber game in a series that the Yankees really need to win after being swept by the White Sox.

Yankees starter Freddy Garcia was ok in picking up the no decision but surely Girardi would have liked to him last longer in the game. Garcia went 4.2 innings allowing four hits, two walks, two runs, and had six strikeouts.

The bullpen was great for the Yankees and that started with Boone Logan in the 5th inning getting out of the jam he was brought into he then proceeded to pitch another 1.1 innings without allowing a run. David Robertson was brought in next and finished up the 7th inning and got the first two outs in the 8th.  Rafael Soriano was able to pick up his 33rd save of the season by getting the final four outs of the game.

Nick Swisher has found his groove batting in front of Cano, as Swisher went 3 for 4 hitting his 30th double of the season, and knocking in his 73 RBI.

Robinson Cano was able to have his second straight multi-hit game going 2 for 3 with his 36th double of the season, and a walk.

Curtis Granderson was able to hit his 200th career homerun in the 6th inning off Tony Sipp, and it was Granderson’s 33rd homerun of the year.

Ichiro was able to have another nice game in the 8th spot going 2 for 4 with a run scored, and knocked in his 42nd RBI of the season.

The Yankees will be heading home to face the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, as David Phelps (3-4, 2.69) will be taking Ivan Nova’s spot in the rotation and will facing Ricky Romero (8-11, 5.63).

Indians Snap Losing Streak Against the Yankees

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Yankees vs. Indians Post Game Recap 8/25

The New York Yankees were hoping to sweep the Indians who were on a 9 game losing streak, but the Indians behind a great start from Justin Masterson beat the Yankees 3-1 on Saturday.

Hiroki Kuroda looked like he was on his way to a really bad start after allowing a three-run homerun to Michael Brantley in the 1st inning, but was able to settle down and give the Yankees a solid start despite getting his 9th loss of the season. Kuroda went eight innings allowing four hits, two walks, and the three runs on the homerun by Brantley.

Derek Jeter was able to do it again with another multi-hit game going 2 for 5 with a run scored, as Jeter continues to lead the majors in hits.

A good sign for the Yankees is that it looks like Robinson Cano is out of his slump, as Cano was able to go 2 for 3 with a walk, and his 35th double of the season.

Hitting with runners in scoring position was a problem for the Yankees, as the team went 1-7 loading the bases twice and only getting one run out of it on a Mark Teixeira sac-fly for his 81st RBI.

The Yankees will look to take the rubber game of the series against the Indians, as Freddy Garcia (7-5, 4.96) will face Ubaldo Jimenez (9-12, 5.59).

Yankees Win in Sabathia's Return

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Yankees vs. Indians Post Game Recap 8/24

The Yankees were able to start the series with the Cleveland Indians with a much needed win beating them 3-1 after a tough series in Chicago.

Yankees ace C.C Sabathia was able to return to the rotation from the DL and earn his 13th win of the season.  Sabathia went 7.1 innings allowing four hits, one walk, one run, and had nine strikeouts.  Sabathia one mistake came in the 4th inning, as Asdrubal Cabrera was able to hit a solo homerun.

Rafael Soriano made the 9th inning very interesting allowing two hits, and an intentional walk to load the bases. Soriano however was able to get his 32nd save despite a shaky 9th inning.

Derek Jeter had a scary moment in the 2nd inning taking a 92mph off the helmet but was able to stay in the game. Jeter was able to have yet another multi-hit game going 2 for 4 with two runs scored.

Nick Swisher continues to rake in the second spot in the lineup, as on Friday night he went 3 for 4 with a RBI double in the first inning, and hit a two-run shot in the 7th to break a 1-1 tie for his 19th homerun of the season.

Yankees will look for another win on Saturday, as Hiroki Kuroda (12-8, 2.96) will face Justin Masterson (9-11, 4.73).

Ivan Nova Placed on DL

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Ivan Nova Placed on DL

The Yankees suffered yet another injury to their pitching rotation, as starter Ivan Nova will be placed on the 15 day DL with inflammation in his right shoulder.

Nova said that he first felt some stiffness in the shoulder while facing the last batter on Tuesday night against the White Sox.

Ivan has struggled since the All-Star break going 2-5 with a 6.40 ERA, but Girardi and Nova both said the injury has nothing to do with the injury.

"Any time a guy says he has a little stiffness in his shoulder, you're going to worry," Girardi said Wednesday. "We don't think it's anything too concerning, but we've got to make sure."

The one bright spot for the Yankees is that C.C Sabathia will be back on Friday to start the season against the Indians. The Yankees do need to show some concern though because their division lead has been cut to 2.5 games by the Rays. All of the injuries the Yankees have had has not lead to a very good second half of the season with only a .500 record.

Yankees Swept by White Sox

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Yankees vs. White Sox Post Game Recap 8/22

The Yankees woes in Chicago continued, as the Yankees were swept by the A.L Central leading White Sox by a score of 2-1.

Yankees hitters were dominated by Chris Sale who picked up his 15th win of the season. Sale went 7.2 innings allowing three hits, one walk, one run, and had thirteen strikeouts.

Phil Hughes on almost any other night would have gotten the win with the way he pitched but instead got his 11th loss of the season. Hughes went seven innings allowing five hits, two walks, two runs, and had five strikeouts.

Derek Jeter was able to smack another homerun on Wednesday for his 3rd straight game with a homerun in Chicago. The homerun was Jeter’s 13th of the season his highest amount of homeruns in a season since 2009.

One positive sign for the Yankees was that Robinson Cano who was in an awful slump may be snapping out of it. Cano was able to go 2 for 4 hitting his 33rd double of the season just missing a homerun.

The sweep to the White Sox has opened the door for the Tampa Bay Rays, as the Rays have cut the Yankees lead in the division to only 3 games now.

The Yankees will have a off day on Thursday before starting a series in Cleveland, as C.C Sabathia (12-3, 3.56) will be making his return from the DL to face his former team and their starter Corey Kluber (0-2, 6.27).

Youkilis Slams White Sox past Yanks

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Yankees vs. White Sox Post Game Recap 8/21

The New York Yankees lost to the Chicago White Sox for a second straight game, losing by a score of 7-3. The Yankees despite having a great home stand have seen their division lead shrink, as the Tampa Bay Rays are coming up in the rear view mirror quick only trailing by 4 games.

Ivan Nova had a tough time against a good White Sox lineup losing his 7th game of the season. Nova pitched six innings allowing seven hits, two walks, six earned runs, and struck out three. The big blow to the Yankees and Nova was done by Kevin Youkilis who hit a grand slam in the 5th inning to break a 2-2 tie at the time.

Derek Lowe pitched the final two innings for the Yankees allowing five hits, one walk, one run, as Lowe was able to keep the White Sox from really blowing the game open.

Derek Jeter after a milestone breaking night wasted little time moving up the hits leader board passing Eddie Murray for 11th all-time with a leadoff homerun for his 12th of the season.  The 1st inning homerun also tied Jeter with his former manager Joe Torre at 252 career homeruns. Pete Rose was but on notice too, as Jeter is now exactly 1,000 hits away from Rose.

Russell Martin was able to have a good game going 2 for 4 hitting his 14th homerun of the season in the 7th inning.

Robinson Cano who was once an MVP candidate has hit a rough patch at a very bad time. Cano went 0 for 4 against the White Sox, and is now batting only .302 for the season.

The Yankees will look to try and avoid the sweep in Chicago, as Phil Hughes (12-10, 4.23) will face Cy Young hopeful Chris Sale (14-4, 2.72).

Yankees Lose Series Opener to White Sox

Yankees vs White Sox Post Game Recap 8/20

The Yankees were unable to start their series in Chicago with a win losing to the White Sox by a score of 9-6.

Freddy Garcia was looking like he’d be cruising to a great start until the 5^th inning where it all fell apart for him. Garcia only went 4.1 innings allowing six hits, four walks, five runs, and had 8 strikeouts in the the no decision.

The bullpen wasn’t very good for the Yankees either, as Joba Chamberlain blew a Yankees lead when Gordon Beckham to him deep. Chamberlain also ran in to his old friend Kevin Youkilis, and proceeded to drill him in the back with a fastball. Boone Logan picked up his 4^th loss of the season going 1.2 innings allowing two hits, one walk, and two runs.

Derek Jeter had quite the day passing players on all-time lists with his 4 for 5 day. Jeter jumped past Nap Lajoie, and tied Eddie Murray for 11^th on the all-time hits list with 3,255 hits. Jeter then tied Craig Nettles on the Yankees all-time homerun list with 251^st homerun of his career, and 11^th of the season. The homerun also let Jeter pass Craig Biggio on the all-time runs list with 1,855 runs scored.

Nick Swisher was very patient at the plate going 1 for 2 with three walks, and scored twice in the two spot.

Mark Teixeira returned to the lineup after missing a few game with his wrist bothering him, and Teixeira went 2 for 4 knocking in two RBI giving him 80 for the season.

The Yankees will look to bounce back on Tuesday, as Ivan Nova (11-6, 4.76) will face Francisco Liriano (4-10, 5.22).

Michael Pineda Charged with DUI

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Michael Pineda Charged with DUI

Yankees injured pitcher Michael Pineda was charged with a DUI by Tampa police early Monday morning. Pineda blood alcohol rate was at a .128 which is above the legal limit.

The police report said that "no headlights were illuminated at night." The report also stated that the officer could smell "a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and his speech was slurred."

Pineda was the Yankees big move in the off-season, and was sidelined for the entire season in spring training as his shoulder needed surgery. The Yankees traded top catching prospect Jesus Montero for Pineda in a 4 player deal in January.

The trade by general manager Brian Cashman isn’t looking very good so far with this latest incident, as Pineda came in to spring training overweight, and no is having off the field problems. Pineda did have a good rookie season making the All-Star team with the Mariners, and finishing the season going (9-10) with a 3.74 ERA. The Yankees will be hoping Pineda can get healthy, and that this DUI is a one time deal.

Yankees Finish Home Stand Strong

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Yankees vs. Red Sox Post Game Recap 8/19

The Yankees were able to beat the Red Sox in the rubber game of the series by a score of 4-1 to finish of a very good home-stand.

Hiroki Kuroda showed against the Red Sox that he is the Yankees best pitcher right now earning his 12th game of the year. Kuroda went eight innings allowing four hits, one run, and struck out four. The only run the Red Sox were able to score off Kuroda came from an Adrian Gonzalez solo homerun.

Rafael Soriano was the only other pitcher needed in the bullpen, as Soriano pitched the 9th inning earning his 31st save of the season.

Derek Jeter the majors hitting leader added some more going 3 for 4 with two doubles giving him 26 on the season, and scoring two runs. Jeter also stole his 8th base of the season taking third base on a double steal.

Ichiro had his best game as a Yankee on Sunday going 3 for 4 hitting two solo homeruns into right field for his 6th and 7th of the season.

Curtis Granderson had a nice game in the cleanup spot with no Mark Teixeira going 1 for 2 with a RBI double for his 14th double and 71st RBI. Granderson was also able to draw two walks.

The Yankees will be heading to the Windy City to play the White Sox, as Freddy Garcia (7-5, 4.68) will face Gavin Floyd (9-9, 4.43) on Monday night.

Lester Returns to Old Form Against Yanks

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Yankees vs Red Sox Post Game Recap 8/18

The Yankees were unable to make it two straight wins over the rival Red Sox losing by a score of 4-1 on Saturday afternoon.

David Phelps was able to have his longest outing of his major league career, but a lack of run support lead to his 4^th loss of the season. Phelps went 6.2 innings allowing seven hits, three runs, and had seven strikeouts.

Jon Lester has struggled this year not pitching anywhere near his capabilities, but Lester looked like his old self against the Yankees going seven innings only allowing five hits, and one run.

Pedro Ciriaco has become a Yankee killer going 4 for 4 with a double, stolen base, and run scored. Ciriaco is now 15 for 29 against the Yankees this year.

Derek Jeter's 13 game hitting streak came to end, as Jeter went 0 for 3 with a walk in the loss.

Nick Swisher's hot hitting on the home-stand continued going 3 for 4, as Swisher is now 10 for 24 with 4 homeruns and 11 RBIs.

Curtis Granderson was the only Yankees to cross home plate in the game, as Granderson was able to hit a solo homerun for his 32^nd homerun of the season, and also hit his 13^th double of the season.

Yankees will look to take the rubber game of the series on Sunday Night Baseball, as Hiroki Kuroda (11-8, 3.06) will face Josh Beckett (5-10, 5.19).

Yankees Power Past Red Sox

Yankees vs. Red Sox Post Game Recap 8/17

The Yankees were able to take the series opener with the rival Red Sox beating them 6-4 on Friday night.

Phil Hughes was able to pickup his 12th win of the season bouncing back nicely from his bad start in Toronto. Hughes went seven innings allowing four hits, one walk, and four unearned runs. The third inning was where Hughes saw trouble giving up four unearned after a throwing error on him, the Red Sox were able to rally with Dustin Pedroia doing the major damage hitting a three-run homerun.

Rafael Soriano has become a sure thing in the 9th inning, as Soriano picked up his 30th save of the season putting the Red Sox down in order to end the game.

Derek Jeter was able to extend his hitting streak to 13 games with a milestone homerun for his 250th of his career, and 10th of the season.

Nick Swisher had a big day going 2 for 3 with a walk, and two solo homeruns for his 17th and 18th homeruns of the season.

Curtis Granderson also went deep for his 31st homerun of the season in the 2nd inning, as Granderson went 2 for 4.

Russell Martin went back to back with Granderson in the 2nd inning for his 13th of the season.

Yankees offense has scored in large part due to homeruns this season, and with five solo shots against the Red Sox including Jeter’s 10th of the season the Yankees now have 10 players with double digit homeruns.

The Yankees will look for another win over the Red Sox to continue to bury their playoff hopes, as David Phelps (3-3, 2.53) will face Jon Lester (6-10, 5.20) on Saturday afternoon.

Yankees Unable to Sweep Rangers

Yankees vs. Rangers Post Game Recap 8/16

The Yankees were unable to pull of the four game sweep over the Rangers, as the great Texas lineup came alive beating the Yankees 10-6.

Ivan Nova was not able to replicate his last start, as the Rangers bats got to Nova.  Ivan went 5.2 innings allowing seven hits, four walks, and four runs in the no decision.

The bullpen had one of its worse days of the seasons allowing six runs in the final 3.1 innings. Cody Eppley, Boone Logan, Joba Chamberlain, and Clay Rapada all gave up one run with Chamberlain and Logan each giving up two runs.

Derek Jeter was able to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, as Jeter went 2 for 5 with a RBI, and run scored. Jeter did benefit from a hometown call on one of the hits could have been a fielders choice and an error on Elvis Andrus.

Andruw Jones batting cleanup with no Cano or Granderson in the lineup was able to hit a two-run shot in the 6th inning for his 13th of the season.

After a 3 for 3 day with his 20th double of the year, and a run scored Ichiro is now batting over .300 since joining the Yankees making it seem that him batting 8th may not be lasting much longer.

The best rivalry in baseball will add another chapter with the 4th place Red Sox coming to town with their playoff hopes in jeopardy, as Phil Hughes (11-10, 4.44) will face Franklin Morales (3-3, 3.29).

Garcia Shines in Win Over Rangers

Yankees vs. Rangers Post Game Recap 8/15

The Yankees were able overcome a long rain delay to get their third straight win over the Texas Rangers beating them 3-2.

Freddy Garcia was very good against the frightening Texas lineup in earning his 7th win of the season. Garcia went 6.2 innings allowing four hits, one walk, two runs, and had six strikeouts. The only runs Texas was able to manufacture were from MVP candidate Josh Hamilton who took Garcia deep twice for two solo homeruns in the 4th and 6th innings.

The formula worked for the Yankees in the bullpen, as David Robertson pitched a scoreless 8th striking out two batters, and Rafael Soriano was able to pickup his 29th save of the season going thru the heart of the Rangers lineup.

Derek Jeter was able to extend his hitting streak to 11 games going 1 for 4 with a walk, and a run scored.

Nick Swisher was able to drive in another run making it 9 RBIs in the last 4 games, as Swisher went 1 for 5 while hitting his 28th double of the season.

Eric Chavez is making Yankees fans quickly forget that Alex Rodriguez is even hurt, as after a 3 for 3 day with a RBI at the plate Chavez is now hitting .303 on the season.

Ichiro and Jayson Nix were both able to produce from the bottom of the order, as each went 2 for 4 with Nix scoring a run, and stealing his 4th base of the year.

Yankees will be looking for what could be a very impressive four game sweep over the Rangers on Thursday afternoon, as Ivan Nova (11-6, 4.70) will face Derek Holland (7-6, 4.92).

Kuroda Dominates Rangers

Yankees vs. Rangers Post Game Recap 8/14

The Yankees were able to pull off their second straight win over the Texas Rangers behind a great start from Kuroda winning 3-0.

Hiroki Kuroda was sensational against the best lineup in baseball earning his 11th win of the season. Kuroda threw a complete game shutout while only allowing two hits, two walks, and getting five strikeouts.

Derek Jeter had another multi-hit game going 2 for 4 with a run scored, and now has 156 hits on the season leading the AL.

In a scoreless game Nick Swisher came thru in the 7th with a two-run homerun off Alexi Ogando for his 16th of the season.

Mark Teixeira followed Swisher with a solo homerun for his 23rd of the season, and hit his 25th double of the season earlier in the game.

Third baseman Casey McGehee is looking like a nice pickup filling in for Alex Rodriguez on days when Chavez needs rest, as McGehee went 2 for 4 in the game.

Yankees will look to keep it rolling against the Rangers, as Freddy Garcia (6-7, 4.64) will face Scott Feldman (7-6, 4.92).