As was expected, Ponson blew up. He gave up 7 ER over 4.0 IP. I don't care what his record is with the Yanks, he sucks. I can't remember how the games panned out too well but I am guessing that pitching when getting 8 runs per game in support isn't too hard. My point being there is no fear of getting hit when you get support early and often.
The real problem with tonight's game came in the top of the fifth. Bases loaded and no outs and the Yankees only score two runs. ARod's line out to third is acceptable, but Nady and Cano making easy outs is not. Furthering the problem was Damon not tagging up on Nady's shortish fly ball. The inning illustrated the Yankees' inability to hit with RISP. I think John Miller (IHHD) said they were second to last in the AL in the category. Simply put, they are leaving a lot of runs on the table.
Finally, Richie Sexson sucks. He cannot hit, he cannot hit lefties, he cannot field, and on any ground ball to his right he immediately runs to cover the bag. He could have easily made a play on Jacoby Ellsbury's single in the bottom of the sixth. That would have been nice considering he easily went first to third on Youkilis's single to left. And it is not like Sexson hits lefties well. As has been pointed out by many, Sexson did not hit lefties last year or the year before making his .300+ avg against them this year more of an aberration than the norm. Subjectively speaking, Phillips mentioned during the broadcast that Sexson cheats for the fastball leaving him susceptible to off-speed pitches and cutters. So if he cannot hit lefties or field, the two things he is supposed to do in his current role, why get him at all.
On a positive note, Bobby Abreu just made a catch on the warning track without being scared for his life.
And if you told me at the break the Yankees would be 3 games out of first after the Red Sox series I would have been ecstatic.
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