It wasn't easy and it wasn't without its controversy, but the Yanks finally won on Wednesday night, 10-5 over the Blue Jays  in Toronto, to end their 5-game losing skid.

The Yankees used the bookend approach as they scored five runs in the first inning and four runs in the ninth en route to their best offensive performance in nearly a week.  However, the Bombers rookie Tyler Clippard was shaky during his five inning outing and the Yanks had to piece together four innings from four different relievers to secure the victory.

But, this game will be remembered for Alex Rodriguez's "fake out" on Blue Jays third baseman Howie Clark in the ninth.  With two outs and A-Rod on first, Jorge Posada lifted a high pop to the left side.  As Rodriguez jogged toward third, he yelled, "Hah!"  This confusion caused the ball to drop leading to another Yankee run as Matsui scored from second on the play.  Bush league?  The Jays thought so, but I don't care.  The Yanks needed this win.

The Good:

Johnny Damon.  Damon led off the game with a homer to jump-start the Yankee offense.  He later collected his 2,000th career hit with a single to left.  I still think it's just a matter of time before Damon hits the DL for the first time in his career, but so far he's still getting the job done.  He finished 2 for 5 with the ribbie and a run scored. 

Robinson Cano.  Cano was a doubles machine as he ripped three of them in the ballgame.  He finished a perfect 4 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.  Maybe this will ignite Cano's game.

Alex Rodriguez.  A-Rod's base hit in the ninth extended the Yankee lead to 7-5 and his "vocal skills" opened the door for three more runs.  Hey, whatever gets the job done.

The Bad:

Tyler Clippard.  The Yanks spotted Clippard an early 5-0 lead and the rookie almost gave it all away.  Clippard struggled with his control and gave up 2 homers during his five innings.  He earned his second win of his career, but it sure wasn't pretty.  His final line: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 5 BB, 3 K, 2 HR.

Derek Jeter.  It didn't factor into the final outcome, but Jeter had a rough night.  He finished 0 for 4 and struck out three times.   

The Ugly:

Phil Hughes.  The Yanks learned on Wednesday night that Hughes suffered a Grade 3 sprain on his left ankle last Friday and will miss an additional four to six weeks.  This is a horrible setback for the rookie and the Yanks.  He won't throw off a mound until late June or early July.

The Yanks are off on Thursday as they head to Boston for a three-game set beginning on Friday night.  It will be Chien-Ming Wang against the knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

I'm sure A-Rod will hear plenty of "Hahs!" during the weekend.

[Full Story] [Comments (2)]

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