It took five tries, but the Yanks finally got the best of Detroit.
Darrell Rasner spun six quality innings, Derek Jeter went deep for the first time this season and the bullpen continued to post zeros as the
Yanks dropped the Tigers 5-2 at Comerica Park. The Bombers pounced on Jeremy Bonderman early and Mariano Rivera notched his 10th save in as many chances this year. The victory pulls the Yanks back to the .500 mark at 19-19.
I was at a Communion bash for this one, so my roundup will be spotty. But that's never stopped me before.
The Good:Darrell Rasner. Second start, same as the first. Rasner gave up a homer in the first inning again, but settled down and controlled the Tiger lineup for the majority of the afternoon. I think it's safe to assume that Rasner will be hanging around if he keeps sticking to the script: trust your stuff, throw strikes and work quickly. Rasner picked up win No. 2 with this: 6+ IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR.
Derek Jeter. It's been a long time coming, but The Captain finally went yard. DJ's first inning wallop gave the Yanks a quick 1-0 lead and got the ball rolling against Bonderman. Johnny Damon has been getting most of the press with his hot-hitting at the top of the Bomber offense, but Jeter is also starting to heat up. Jeet is batting .385 in his past seven games. Jeter also made a nice diving stab off the bat of Edgar Renteria in the fifth that turned into a double play and snuffed a mini Tiger rally. Jeter finished 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.
Mariano Rivera. It's expected to watch Rivera slam the door on opponents in the ninth, but The Sandman is putting up awesome numbers so far this year (even for him). Rivera disposed of the Tigers on just 10 pitches Saturday and has yet to give up a run this season (or a walk). It's still early, but check out Rivera's stats so far: 15 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K, 10 for 10 in save opportunities. Keep doin what you're doin, Mo. Rivera's line: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.
The Bad:Chad Moeller. Every Yankee regular reached base Saturday via either a hit or a walk, but Moeller has been scraping at the plate since he re-joined the Yanks at the end of April. Moeller is just 2 for 11 in the month of May. I know Chad was catching two straight days (including the dreaded day game after a night game), but I've got to keep the guys on their toes. Moeller finished 0 for 3 with a walk.
The Ugly:Twice as nice. At some point the Yanks may want to bring in a priest (voodoo or Buddhist) to sweep out the club house. Another Bomber went down Saturday --
Wilson Betemit strained his right hamstring after booming an RBI-double to center in the fourth inning and was placed on the 15-day disabled list. It will be the second stint on the DL this season for the switch-hitting infielder. Alberto Gonzalez will take Betemit's place. I figured Gonzo would be back with the big club soon, but I didn't think it would be this soon.
The rubber game will feature Andy Pettitte (3-3, 3.77 ERA) and Nate Robertson (1-4, 6.64 ERA). Pettitte pitched well in his last start against the Indians at The Stadium, but didn't factor in the decision as Joba Chamberlain self-destructed in the eighth inning. Pettitte has had a tough time at Comerica Park during his career -- 2-3 with a 4.65 ERA in five starts. The American League has had its way with Robertson -- 52 hits in 40 2/3 innings -- but he earned his only win this season against the Yanks on May 1.
Let's see if the Yanks can make it two in a row against the Cats.
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