Offensive, the Yankees were led once again by the longball, well five to be exact: 2 by Russell Martin, and one each by Gardner, A-Rod and Posada. A-Rod's homer was a grand slam and he'd eventually drive in six on the day. (Gameday)
Sunday's victory would not come as easy, although the way Freddy Garcia pitched it should have. For the second straight start, Garcia allowed just two hits over six scoreless. What he and Bartolo Colon have been able to do for this team so far is pretty remarkable. Sadly, the bullpen couldn't hold his 3-0 lead and he'd have to settle for the no-decision.
Joba Chamberlain allowed two in the 7th on a two-run homer by Mark Reynolds, and then Mariano Rivera, who is falling into that April dead-arm period he has every year, blew his second save in as many chances and the game went into extras tied at 3. Mariano was also saved by a great game-saving running catch by Brett Gardner in the 8th and then a lucky call on a play at the plate to end the 9th.
With most balls staying in the infield the Yanks were still able to put a three-spot up in the top of the 11th to put the game away. Jeter, Martin and Granderson (also hit a 2-run homer in the 1st) each drove in a run in the inning, and Boone Logan finished things off in the bottom half of the inning. (Gameday)
The Yanks now head back to the Bronx for a 7-game homestand against the White Sox and Jays. Game one of the White Sox series is set for tonight at 7:05 PM, with A.J. Burnett facing Sox right-hander Philip Humber.
