Game 3 of the Yankees and Rays kickoff of the second half series had more importance attached to it then a lot of people might think. I'm the first person to downplay a severe or great situation in the early months of the major league season, but officially all bets are now off. Its the second half, and the "its still early, and there's plenty of baseball left, don't stress it" excuse is no longer acceptable.
With that being said, the Yankees 9-5 series clinching win over their fellow AL East rivals brought them back to 3 games up instead of only 1 up, which was what would have been the case if they had lost today. Big difference, and that's what happens when you play teams within your division. A win or a loss creates a 2 game swing and the Yanks can ill afford to come out of the gates lagging.
Today's game featured a hot pitching matchup between the Rays' David Price and the Yankees ageless wonder, Andy Pettitte. Figured to see really close battle late in the game in lieu of the two aforementioned studs toeing the rubber today, but it was anything but that. Price got lit up for 7 earned and really labored all game. The Yanks hitters are patient, and won't help out the pitcher. It's been their M.O. for years, and its one of the reasons they are defending champs. Pettitte was his usual self, wiggling out of early jams but had his outing cut short after he left with what's being called a strained left groin.
If you had told me the Yanks would win today after being down 3-0 early on with Andy Pettitte only giving 2 1/3 innings with David Price pitching for Tampa, I would have told you to go fuck yourself. But that's baseball, and today the Yankees found a way to win despite some sticky situations.
Next Up: Day off tomorrow. Angels for two at home before a series with Kansas Shitty.
P.S. Kim Jones looked flawless today. Just immaculate execution of the in-game report every time.
-Dbl-A
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