Win Three, Gain One

The Yanks finished off their sweep of the Orange Birds today in less-than spectacular fashion. One day after the pen had to work 4 innings in relief of Pavano, Rasner couldn't get out of the fourth inning. Somehow, though, they held on. Robertson, Ramirez, Veras, Marte and Mo got the job done and the Yanks slipped by with an 8-7 win.

Robinson Cano had a huge day, going 4/5 with the deciding blow, a solo shot off a lefty. Damon chipped in with a three-run bomb early and Nady had a huge double, but I'd like to spend a little more time talking about the pen, especially Marte. First, check out this post from Peter Abraham, in particular the quote from Damaso Marte. Here's what he had to say:

Question to Marte after the game: “You had a few days off, did you feel strong today?”

Answer: “I did. For the last week I’ve had inflammation in my elbow. That has been bothering me. They gave me some days off.”

As he talked, Marte’s left elbow was wrapped in enough ice to chill three cases of beer.

Marte said later that he think the problem is related to the 42 pitches he threw in Texas on Aug. 4. Only in the last few days, he said, has he felt better. So that explains why he has struggled of late.

Uh, duh. Girardi blew it in more ways than one when he hung Marte out to dry in the Texas heat. Luckily, he bounced back in a big way today. As good as Cano was, Marte is your player of the game. In the bottom of the 7th he came in with runners on first and second, one out, and the two best Orioles due up. He got Markakis and Mora swinging, then retired the first two batters in the eighth before walking Luke Scott on a BS 3-2 pitch. Marte was impressive and I have a feeling he's going to be seeing David Ortiz in a key situation or two in the upcoming series. Good time to get the guy healthy.

The White Sox and Red Sox both won in extra innings. The Twins loss to the Angles means they're now the team sandwiched between the Yanks and Sox, although I don't expect things to remain that way. With the off day tomorrow, the Yanks will head into this series with Boston 5 games out of the Wild Card. We'll talk more about that tomorrow.

Player of The Game: Damaso Marte
Team Record: 70-60
Damon: Nada.