Yankees to Acquire Derek Lowe

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Yankees Acquire Derek Lowe

The New York Yankees wasted no time finding another arm to pitch while C.C Sabathia is on the DL with elbow inflammation acquiring the 39 year old Derek Lowe.

Lowe was pitching for the Cleveland Indians before being designated for assignment on Saturday. He wasn’t pitching very well for the Indians in their rotation going 8-10 with a 5.52 ERA. Lowe has however had a good 16 year career going 174-156 with a 4.01 lifetime ERA, and will be able to eat innings for the Yankees.

The Yankees will be using Lowe out of the bullpen in the absence of Sabathia, as David Phelps will be getting the start on Monday which is well deserved. The Yankees have a tough road ahead of them without Sabathia, as Baltimore and Tampa Bay are getting closer in the standings.

Sabathia Headed to DL

hardballtalk.nbcsports.com

C.C Sabathia Headed to DL

Yankees suffered another injury blow to the team as ace C.C Sabathia will be heading to the 15 day disabled list for the second time this season. Sabathia will be heading to the DL this time due to stiffness in his elbow. The elbow first started acting up in Seattle, and continued to give him issues in Detroit when he only threw 94 pitches.

"As far as our concern, it's pretty low," Girardi said. "It's not like it got any worse. He wants to pitch on Monday, which I'm not surprised, because he said he's dealt with it before. We just decided, let's try to get it cleaned up now."

Sabathia was on the DL in the end of June and into July with a groin injury that cost him to miss 3 starts. C.C is 12-3 on the season with a 3.56 ERA, and has thrown 141.2 innings.

It appears that David Phelps will be getting Sabathia’s start on Monday against Texas, as Phelps has been great so far this season in the bullpen and making a few starts. Phelps is 2-3 with a 2.42 ERA in the majors this season. Yankees are also expected to sign veteran Derek Lowe who was designated for assignment about a week ago.

Jets Lose Preseason Opener to Bengals

nydailynews.com

Jets vs. Bengals Post Game Recap 8/11

The New York Jets lost 17-6 against the Cincinnati Bengals in their preseason opener.

Starting Quarterback Mark Sanchez played 14 plays going 4 for 6 for 21 yards passing. Sanchez was sacked twice as well, and had one scramble for 4 yards.

Tim Tebow made his debut with the Jets having his ups and downs in his time playing QB. Tebow threw for 27 yards on 4 for 8 passing, and had 4 rushes for 34 on broken plays, and poor pass blocking. Tebow did however throw an interception in Bengals territory in the third quarter.

Third string QB Greg McElroy coming off a good preseason last season before it was derailed by a thumb injury played pretty well again in this season’s opener. McElroy had the more passing yards than Sanchez or Tebow on the same amount of completions going 4 for 6 with 49 yards passing. McElroy was sacked 3 times however, and lost a fumble.

The Offensive Line which took a step back last year did not look good again in the first game of preseason. On 29 drop backs Jets Quarterbacks were sacked 5 times, and if Tebow wasn’t able to scramble away from some it would have been at least two or three more.

The backup running back position battle between Joe McKnight and Brian Powell is one to watch, as McKnight took the advantage in Cincinnati rushing for 32 yards on 7 carries, and catching 3 balls for 34 yards. Starter Shonn Greene didn’t see as much success as McKnight, as Greene had 5 rushes for only 11 yards.

An injury depleted Receiving core saw Patrick Turner step up catching 3 balls for 21 yards. Rookie Stephen Hill had 2 catches for 18 yards, but did have a big drop on 3rd down on a pass that would have gotten the Jets a 1st down.

Defensively for the Jets it was the Quinton Coples show, as the 1st round pick looked extremely good in his debut. Coples had 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, one sack, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. A lot of Coples plays were against Bengals backups, but it is good to see him be able to dominate against backups.

The big blunder of the game came on special teams as the Bengals were able to block a punt with 22 seconds left in the half recovering it for a touchdown. Both Nick Folk and Josh Brown who are battling for the starting Kicker job were both able to hit a Field Goal. Josh Brown hit a 42 yard FG in the 2nd quarter, and last years starter Nick Folk hit 38 yard FG in the 4th.

The Jets will be heading back to Cortland before the next preseason game against the Superbowl champion Giants on Saturday.

Yankees Hang 10 on Blue Jays

Yankees vs Blue Jays Post Game Recap 8/10

The Yankees were able to win their third straight game by beating Toronto 10-4 to start the series up north.

Yankees Starter Freddy Garcia was able to give the Yankees a quality start to earn his 6^th win of the season. Freddy went six innings allowing five hits, two runs, and had four strikeouts. Kelly Johnson was the only problem for Garcia, as Johnson had a solo homerun, and a RBI double against Garcia.

Yankees offense was clicking in Toronto overall scoring 10 runs, and having 4 players with multi-hit games.

Captain Derek Jeter continued his good hitting with another multi-hit game going 2 for 5, and scoring a run in the lead-off spot.

Nick Swisher had a nice game behind Jeter in the order going 2 for 5 as well with two runs scored, and hit his 27^th double of the season getting a RBI.

Mark Teixeira was able to go deep in the 8^th inning for his 22^nd homerun of the year off Steve Delabar to give the Yankees some breathing room at the time.

Robinson Cano was another Yankee with a multi-hit game going 2 for 4 with a walk, a RBI, and scored two runs.

Ichiro Suzuki got his first start in center field since 2008, and had his best game as a Yankee to going 2 for 5 with a big five RBIs, and hit his 19^th double of the season.

Russell Martin is creeping toward the .200 mark for the season after going 1 for 3 with a walk, and scoring a run.

Yankees will send the struggling Ivan Nova (10-6, 4.81) to the mound to face Aaron Laffey (3-2, 4.39) as Yankees look to make it four straight wins.

Mets Blanked By Braves in Series Opener

Friday, August 10, 2012

Final Score: Atlanta Braves: 4 New York Mets: 0

Mets Blanked By Braves in Series Opener

The Mets were unable to build off of a great performance by R.A. Dickey Thursday afternoon, getting shut down by the Braves Friday night 4-0.  A difficult second half of the season continues for the Mets, as they are going in the wrong direction in the standings getting closer to the cellar than the top.

It was a highly anticipated night in Queens as Matt Harvey was making his debut at Citi Field.  The air was quickly taken out of the stadium as Jason Heyward hit a two-run homerun in the top of the first inning.  That homerun would prove to be all the Braves would need to defeat the Mets tonight. 

Harvey had some jitters, evident by the five walks he surrendered, but had a solid outing otherwise.  The finish was strong for Harvey, who retired the last nine batters that he faced.  Harvey was also hit by a come-backer in the right thigh by Freddie Freeman in the third inning but was able to stay in the game.

Harvey got back to what he does best in throwing his fastball tonight.  For whatever reason, he had started to wander away from his fastball in San Diego, relying more on his off-speed pitches.

Harvey’s final line was six innings pitched, surrendering two hits and five walks resulting in two earned runs to go along with three strikeouts.  It was a solid but not great outing for Harvey who received no support from the offense tonight.

Josh Egdin would surrender another two-run homerun later in the eighth inning, this time off the bat of Dan Uggla.

Paul Maholm was able to shut the Mets offense down, throwing a gem in surrendering only three hits and striking out five.  Maholm ended the hitting streak of Ruben Tejada at a career high 14 games.

Jason Bay continued where he left off at after being notified of his cut in playing time by going 0 for 3, dropping his average to .152.

Next up for the Mets is a Saturday night game which Johan Santana (6-7, 3.98 ERA) will make his return from the DL against Kris Medlen (2-1, 2.37 ERA).  Santana is likely to be on a 90 pitch limit, meaning the Mets bullpen could be in for a full day of work and needs to step up.   

Mets Salvage Last Game of Series vs. Marlins

Thursday, August 9^th, 2012

Final Score: Miami Marlins: 1 New York Mets: 6

Mets Salvage Final Game of Series vs. Marlins

The Mets were finally able to end their losing streak at Citi Field Thursday afternoon, defeating the Marlins 6-1.  This was the first win for the Mets at home since July 7^th against the Chicago Cubs and ended the eight game losing streak they were on at home.  The losing streak matched the sixth longest one in Mets franchise history. 

R.A. Dickey pitched like the ace he has been all season, throwing a masterful complete game.  It was the fourth complete game on the season for Dickey.  The only blemish for him was a solo homerun given up in the fourth inning to Justin Ruggiano. 

Dickey surrendered only five hits resulting in the one earned run with no walks and 10 strikeouts.  It was Dickey’s sixth double digit strikeout game of the season, giving him 166 strikeouts on the season against only 36 walks. 

Dickey is looking to become the first 20 game winner for the Mets since Frank Viola in 1990, notching his 15^th win of the season this afternoon, tying him with Jered Weaver for the MLB lead.  Dickey, even with the Mets struggles, is right in the hunt for the NL Cy Young award also with a 15-3 record and 2.72 ERA.

For the Mets at the plate Andres Torres shined.  Torres finished the game 3 for 3 with a walk, finishing a single short of hitting for the cycle.  Multiple Mets also had multi-hit games, with David Wright, Mike Baxter, and Josh Thole.

Ruben Tejada was also able to add two hits, upping his hitting streak to a career high 14 games.

The Mets were able to cool of Jose Reyes, who had his 26 game hitting streak ended Thursday afternoon.  Reyes also made a blunder in the field in the 4^th inning that enabled the Mets to retake the lead for good.

Next up for the Mets is a series against the rival Atlanta Braves.  Matt Harvey (1-2, 3.86 ERA) will be making his Citi Field debut against newly acquired Paul Maholm (9-7 3.75 ERA). 

Yankees Tame Tigers to Split Series

Yankees vs Tigers Post Game Recap 8/9

The Yankees were able to pull off the come from behind win against the Tigers to split the 4 game series by winning on Thursday by a score of 4-3.

Hiroki Kuroda was able to pitch pretty well against a very good Tigers lineup picking up the no decision. Kuroda pitched 6.1 innings allowing ten hits, three runs, and had five strikeouts.

Clay Rapada ended up getting the win for the Yankees for his 3^rd of the season, as Rapada pitched to the final two batters in the 7^th inning getting them both out.

Closer Rafael Soriano was called upon in the 8^th inning to get the final out, and then went back out in the 9^th for the four out save. A lead off double and then a single left Soriano with a tough take with runners on the corners and no outs, but he got two infield pop ups, and then Andy Dirks flied out to center to end the game for his 27^th save of the year.

Raul Ibanez was able to have a good day at the plate going 2 for 4 hitting his 15^th double of the season, 2^nd triple, and knocked in his 50^th RBI of the year.

Mark Teixeira after a clutch hit last night was able to do it again in the 8^th inning hitting his 20^th homerun of the season to tie the game.

Eric Chavez hot hitting continued right after Teixeira, as Chavez hit the go ahead homerun for his 12^th of the season going back to back to take the lead in the top of the 8^th inning.

Nick Swisher had a tough day after a very good night going 0 for 5 with two strikeouts in the protected two spot in the order.

A rare Joe Girardi ejection happened in the 5^th inning, as Girardi flipped out throwing a great rant on a play where the umpire Tim Welke ruled a ball foul and then fair about a second later lead to Girardi freaking out and getting tossed from the game.

Yankees will heading up north to Toronto to face the Blue Jays, as Freddy Garcia (5-5, 5.00) will face Ricky Romero (8-8, 5.47) to start the series.

Santonio Holmes to Miss Preseason Opener

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Santonio Holmes to Miss Preseason Opener

Jets number one Wide Receiver Santonio Holmes will not be playing on Friday in the preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a rib injury.

Holmes injured his rib in Saturdays scrimmage with the injury occurring when Antonio Cromartie hit him. Positive news for Holmes is that the X-rays came back negative on his ribs. Holmes has not practiced since, and will probably miss the second preseason game as well.

“I’m getting better every day right now, “Holmes said on Tuesday. “I’m taking it one day at a time. When I feel the need for contact and the trainers are ready for me to have contact, then ill be ready to roll”.

The Jets will also be missing Jeremy Kerley who was a hamstring injury so Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow will be throwing to rookie Stephen Hill, Patrick Turner, and Chaz Schilens.

Marlins Wipe the Floor with Mets

Wednesday, August 8^th, 2012

Final Score: Miami Marlins: 13 New York Mets: 0

Marlins Wipe Floor with Mets

It was an ugly night at Citi Field for the Mets as the Marlins jumped out early and often en route to a 13-0 beat down.  The Mets just cannot buy a win at home right now, losing their eighth straight game at Citi Field since the All-Star break and ninth overall.  The last win at home for the Mets came all the way back on July 7^th against the Chicago Cubs.  The current home losing streak is the longest for the Mets since 2004, Art Howe’s last season as manager.  The Mets now sit at 53-58, 15 games behind Washington in the NL East and 10.5 games behind Atlanta for the last wild card spot. 

Chris Young was hammered tonight coming off what was his best start of the season.  The Marlins jumped on Young early and often, teeing off on him, including three homeruns.  The third homerun is what chased him from the game. 

Jose Reyes launched his eighth homerun of the season in the first inning to get the scoring started for the Marlins.  Giancarlo Stanton would hit the next two off Young, a two run shot in the first inning and another two run shot in the fifth inning. 

Young lasted only 4 1/3 innings in the game, unable to build off his strong performance in San Francisco last week.  He finished the game with totals of seven hits, seven runs, three walks and four strikeouts. 

The Marlins did not stay quite for long, as they put up another four spot in the eighth inning and a two spot in the ninth.  Lefty Garrett Olson was making his Mets debut and fit in perfectly with the bullpen giving up four earned runs in 1/3 inning. 

Closer Frank Francisco came in for the ninth inning to get some work in and continued the woeful pitching surrendering a two-run homerun to Greg Dobbs.

The Mets were able to only muster five hits off the Marlins pitching staff.  They were not without opportunities to score though, as the Marlins walked six Mets, giving them opportunities to make things happen; the Mets just were unable to take advantage.

One positive for the Mets was that Ruben Tejada continued his hitting streak with a single in the third inning, putting the streak at 13 games.  Reyes also continued his streak for the Marlins, getting his up to 26 games.  The 26 game hitting streak for Reyes is a career high for him and a high in the majors this season. 

Next up is the finale of the three game series in a Thursday matinee at 12:10 P.M. ET.  R.A. Dickey (14-3, 2.82 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets as they try to salvage the last game of the series against the Marlins’ Josh Johnson (7-7 3.85 ERA). 

Yankees Win Shootout in Detroit

Yankees vs Tigers Post Game Recap 8/8

Yankees were able to snap the Tigers 10 game home winning streaking beating Detroit in a shootout 12-8 in the third game of the series.

C.C Sabathia was as good as in his last start, but he was able to pick up his 12^th win of the season. Sabathia only threw 94 pitches which is a rare thing to see Sabathia throw less than a 100 pitches in a game. C.C did go 6.2 innings allowing eight hits, one walk, five runs only three of which were earned, and had seven strikeouts.

David Robertson had a very bad inning of work allowing five hits, and three runs including a solo shot to Omar Infante.

Yankees bats were all clicking tonight as for the 4^th time this season every starter got a hit, and for the first time this season 10 players got a hit.

Curtis Granderson after a tough first two games in Detroit Granderson was moved down to 6^th in the order, and responded with a big game going 3 for 5 with a RBI single in the 1^st inning, and a three-run homerun his 30^th of the season in the 3^rd inning.

Nick Swisher was moved back into his favorite spot in the order batting second, and went 2 for 3 with three walks, two runs scored, and a RBI.

Along with Granderson, Robinson Cano was able to have a three hit game going 3 for 5 with two runs scored , and a RBI in the 9^th inning.

Mark Teixeira, and Eric Chavez both did there jobs in the middle of the order each going 2 for 4 with two RBIs, and a run scored.

The Yankees will look to split the series in the Motor City, as Hiroki Kuroda (10-8, 3.19) will face Doug Fister (6-7, 3.52).

New York Giants Camp Preview: Defensive Backs

A new NFL season is right around the corner as training camp is quickly approaching.  Leading up to the start of training camp, we will have a run down position-by-position for the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. 

The third position we will take a look at is defensive back.

The projected defensive starting backs are Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas at cornerback and Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle at safety.  Expected reserves to make an impact at cornerback are Jayron Hosley, Prince Amukamara, Michael Coe and Justin Tryon; at safety Tyler Sash and Stevie Brown are expected to see playing time.

New additions to the secondary this season are Hosley, Brown, cornerback Antwaun Molden, safeties Will Hill and JoJo Nicolas and defensive backs Janzen Jackson and Dante Hughes.

There are a few members from last year’s unit that will not be returning this season in Aaron Ross, Will Blackmon, Derrick Martin and Deon Grant.  Grant has the best chance of returning, as he is a great locker room presence and had such a positive impact on the Giants the last few seasons.

The player to watch out of the defensive backs is Terrell Thomas.  Thomas has been cleared for training camp and avoided a scare early on suffering a slight injury to his ACL.  Last season Thomas suffered his second career ACL tear after having an outstanding camp and looking poised to really breakout.  Thomas will upgrade the Giants defensive back unit greatly if he can return to where he was before the ACL injury; Thomas led the Giants defense in tackles the previous two seasons.

http://scoutingboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Terrell-Thomas.jpg

The potential for the defensive backs to be a strength for the Giants is there.  It will be a competitive unit throughout camp and barring injury can be deep.  Coe and Tyron shined during OTA’s and mini-camps according to Thomas, as they took up snaps he left behind while taking it slowly with his injury.  General Manger Jerry Reese also added some talent with Brown, Molden and Horton being signed in addition to drafting Hosley.  Cornerback Brandon Bing also received praise from defensive coordinator Perry Fewell for his play throughout OTA’s.

Another thing to watch for is the development of Amukamara.  Amukamara injured his foot in his second career practice last season and was never able to get back on track, struggling throughout the season.  He will benefit from a full training camp and preseason this time around.  If he is unable to bounce back, look for veterans Coe and Tryon to pick up the slack and possibly Bruce Johnson, who is returning from his own season ending injury. 

Health is the biggest deterrent for this group.  Thomas, Coe, Tryon and Johnson are all returning from season-ending injuries.  Thomas already suffered a scare in camp and if he is unable to return to form the Giants will need someone to step up after Aaron Ross left to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Amukamara needed an injection in his foot to strengthen it after missing over half of last season.  With Grant remaining unsigned, the Giants are also without valuable experience and leadership in the locker room.

The wild card of this group is Amukamara.  He was brought in with high expectations as the Giants were shocked to see him fall to them in the 2011 NFL Draft with the 19^th pick.  Most of his rookie year was lost because of his foot injury and the lockout being in place but a full off-season should benefit him.  He was drafted with the expectation of being a starting cornerback for the Giants in the near future; that future could be as early as this season as he will have to take over for the departed Ross and will be first in line to take over if Thomas is unable to perform.  

http://www.orgazmsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/alg_prince-amukamara-practice.jpg

Mets Drop Series Opener Against Marlins

Tuesday August 7^th, 2012

Final Score: Miami Marlins: 4 New York Mets: 2

Mets Drop Series Opener to Marlins

The return home for the Mets from an 11 game road trip did not go as hoped, as the Mets fell to the Marlins 4-2.  The loss makes it eight home defeats in a row, leaving the Mets winless at Citi Field since the All-Star break.  The Mets are falling further below .500 and after coming into the second half with high expectations now sit only three games ahead of the cellar in the National League East division. 

Jon Niese entered the game with underwhelming stats against the Marlins in his career; Tuesday did nothing to change that.  Entering the game, Niese had eight career starts against the Marlins with a 1-4 record and 4.47 ERA. 

Tonight Niese suffered from another rough inning, giving up all four runs in the fourth inning.  Even outside the rough inning Niese struggled some, giving up eight hits and a walk along with four strikeouts and the four earned runs in six innings.

Avoiding the big inning has been a season long problem for Niese.  In each of his last three starts he surrendered four runs or more, he allowed big innings of three or more runs at least once.  If Niese can control the big inning and limit the damage, it would go along way for his own stats and the Mets.

The exiling of Jason Bay is also underway.  In the midst of a 2 for 31 slump, Bay has been relegated to strictly a platoon role.  Bay will see time only against lefties and will have to work out of this slump with side work.  He endures heavy booing from the Mets faithful, which is rightfully deserved with the dreaded season he is having.  Bay is lucky at this point to even be a part of the roster; if he wasn’t getting paid the contract he was he would already be off the team.

The lengthy hitting streaks of both teams’ shortstops were also extended tonight.  Jose Reyes extended his streak to an MLB season high of 25 and Ruben Tejada extended his to 12.  Tejada has filled in well for Reyes, who was again booed heavily in his second return to Citi Field.

Next up for the Mets and Marlins is a Wednesday night affair with Chris Young (3-5, 4.22 ERA) taking the mound for the Mets against the Marlins’ Nathan Eovaldi (2-7, 4.66 ERA).

Yankees Lose Despite Ninth Inning Rally

Yankees vs Tigers Post Game Recap 8/7

The Yankees were unable to beat the Tigers in the second game of the series despite a 9^th inning rally losing by a score of 6-5.

Yankees starter Phil Hughes had a short, and rough start only making it 4.1 innings against the Tigers. Hughes had a 42 pitch inning which really took its toll on his pitch count, and effectiveness for the game. Phil allowed eight hits, four runs, and had three strikeouts in his short night.

The next step for Joba Chamberlain didn’t go as smooth as he would or the Yankees would have liked on pitching two days straight. Joba in 0.2 innings allowed two hits, one walk, and one earned run in the eighth inning.

Miguel Cabrera has become a Yankee killer hitting another homerun on Tuesday for his 29^th of the season in the 4^th inning, and a two-run double in the 5^th inning.

Eric Chavez batting 5^th in the order responded with a big game going 2 for 4 with a two-run homerun in the 4^th, and scoring a run in the 9^th.

Ichiro also had a good day going 2 for 4 with two RBIs, and his hit his 18^th double of the season in the 9^th inning.

The return back to Detroit continues to be tough for Curtis Granderson going 0-5 again on Tuesday, as he has gone 0-10 to start the series.

Nick Swisher was able to have a nice 3 for 4 night hitting two doubles for his 25^th, and 26^th of the season. Swisher however was only knocked in once despite begin on base three times.

Yankees will turn to their ace C.C Sabathia (11-3, 3.53) to stop the skid, as he faces newly acquired Tiger Anibal Sanchez (1-1, 4.50).

Verlander Dominates Yankees to Start Series

Yankees vs Tigers Post Game Recap 8/6

The Yankees were unable to beat last years MVP Justin Verlander losing to the Tigers in the first game of the four game series 7-2.

Ivan Nova struggles continue since the All-Star break, as he picked up his 6^th loss of the season. Nova went 5.1 innings allowing eleven hits, seven runs, and had five strikeouts. In Novas last five starts he is (0-3) with a 8.36 ERA.

Joba Chamberlain was much better in his second appearance compared to his first, as Joba went 1.2 innings allowing two hits, and getting a strikeout.

Tigers starter Justin Verlander was very good on Monday night, as Verlander went eight innings allowing eight hits, one walk, two runs neither of which were earned, and fourteen strikeouts on 132 pitches.

Derek Jeter was able to go 2 for 5 with a RBI to keep his AL hits lead over Tigers Miguel Cabrera who had a 450ft homerun off Nova, but still trails Jeter by two hits on the year.

Robinson Cano was also able to have some success off Verlander going 2 for 4 with a RBI for his 64^th of the season.

Eric Chavez had the best day at the plate for the Yankees going 3 for 4 with two doubles giving him 10 now for the season, and scoring a run.

The hitting streak for Ichiro came to a end at 12 games, as Ichiro went 0 for 4 with his first three strikeouts since joining the Yankees.

Yankees will send Phil Hughes (11-8, 3.96) to the mound to face Rick Porcello (8-6, 4.65) in the second game of the series on Tuesday.

Mets Drop Last Game of West Coast Trip

Sunday August 5^th, 2012

Final Score: New York Mets: 3 San Diego Padres: 7

Mets Drop Last Game of West Coast Trip

The Mets had a disappointing end to what was an overall positive west coast trip, ending with a loss to the San Diego Padres 7-3 Sunday afternoon.  Even with the loss to the end the trip, the Mets will head home with a 6-5 record out west against the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres.

Matt Harvey had a strong start to the road trip winning in Arizona for his first career win, but did not have as positive outcome this time around.  Harvey has a promising career ahead of him, but will undoubtedly have his rough patches like this afternoon.

Harvey had a rough afternoon, surrendering two two-run homeruns in spacious Petco Park.  Chase Headley in the first inning and Yonder Alonso in the third were able to tag Harvey for homers, making Harvey only the second visiting pitcher this season to surrender multiple homers in a game. 

Harvey’s final line was uninspiring ending with five innings pitched, eight hits, five runs, one walk and five strikeouts on 81 pitches.  If not for the trouble with the long ball, Harvey’s stat line looks much more promising.

The only noise made by the Mets offense this afternoon was from Ronny Cedeno, who hit a pinch hit two- run homerun off Jason Marquis in the 6^th inning after coming on for Harvey.  Marquis had a strong game for the Padres, retiring 14 batters after allowing a leadoff single to start the game. 

Jason Bay had a sacrifice fly in the 7^th inning to bring the Mets within two runs, but again was hitless at the plate.  Bay finished the road trip going 2-for-31, good for a .065 batting average.  Bay should be in the lineup Tuesday night against a lefty but should expect to see his playing time diminish and dwindle as the season winds down. 

Next up for the Mets, after a day off on Monday, is a three game series with Jose Reyes and the Miami Marlins at Citi Field.  Reyes will bring a major league season high 24 game hitting streak with him.  Jon Niese (8-5, 3.72 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets in opener and be opposed by Marlins starter Wade LeBlanc (1-1, 1.35 ERA).  By game time Tuesday, the Mets should also have better assessments on the extent of the injuries to Tim Byrdak and Kirk Nieuwenhuis.   

Yankees Win Rubber Game Against Mariners

ctpost.com

Yankees vs Mariners Post Game Recap 8/5

The Yankees were able to win the rubber game of the series with the Mariners winning on Sunday by a score of 6-2.

Yankees starter Freddy Garcia was solid in picking up his 5^th win of the season. Garcia went five innings allowing five hits, four walks, and only two runs while striking out two.

The bullpen was outstanding on Sunday afternoon as Boone Logan, David Robertson, and Rafael Soriano went a combined four scoreless innings, and only Robertson allowed a base runner on a walk in the 8^th inning.

Derek Jeter was able to have another multi-hit game going 2 for 5 with a RBI, and run scored. Jeter is leading the A.L in hits with 140 now after picking up two more on Sunday.

Raul Ibanez had a big game knocking in half of the Yankees runs for the game, as Ibanez hit a monster 430ft two-run homerun in the 5^th inning. Ibanez would also pick up another RBI on a single the next inning capping off a nice 2 for 4 day.

Catcher Chris Stewart did a good job producing from the ninth spot in the order going 2 for 3 with a walk, and three runs scored.

Ichiro was able to extend his hitting streak since coming to the Yankees to 12 games with some help from the sun on his double in the 7^th inning.

Yankees will be heading to Detroit on Monday, as Ivan Nova (10-5, 4.53) will face Justin Verlander (11-7, 2.63) to start a four game series.

Yankees Shutout by King Felix

sports.yahoo.com

Yankees vs Mariners Post Game Recap 8/4

The Yankees were unable to win the second game of the series against the Mariners, as King Felix shut down the Yankees bats in a 1-0 Mariners win.

Felix Hernandez was nothing short of exceptional on Saturday throwing a complete game shutout in the Bronx. Hernandez went the full nine innings while only allowing two hits, two walks, and had six strikeouts.

Hiroki Kuroda was very good on Saturday as well, but couldn’t outduel Felix Hernandez picking up his 8^th loss of the year. Kuroda went 6.1 innings allowing seven hits, one walk, one earned run, and struckout four batters.

Ichiro had one of the hits for the Yankees against Felix, as Ichiro went 1 for 3 extending his hitting streak to 11 games now.

Robinson Cano was the other Yankee to get a hit in the game, as Cano was able to hit his 31^st double of the season in the 1^st inning.

Yankees will look to score some runs, and win the rubber game of the series on Sunday as Freddy Garcia (4-5, 5.10) will face Hisashi Iwakuma (2-2, 4.10).