GAME 86: The Yankees lost a tough one in Minnesota today, as catcher Francisco Cervelli‘s throwing error in the bottom of the 11th inning cost New York the game. With the bases loaded and one out, Trevor Plouffe hit a tapper back to Matt Thornton, who under-handed it to Cervelli for the force at home plate. Cervelli’s throw to Mark Teixeira at first for the inning-ending double-play sailed ridiculously wide and landed in foul territory in right field. The winning run scored easily.
Cervelli Giveth, Cervelli Taketh Away
Starting again in place of Brian McCann, Cervelli was responsible for putting the Yankees’ lone run on the scoreboard. In the top of the 5th, he laced a single to left that scored Ichiro from third base. It was yet another outstanding start from David Phelps, who spread 3 hits over 7 innings. His one mistake pitch was tagged by Josh Willingham for a no-doubter to the left-field seats, tying the game at 1-1 in the 7th.
As usual, the Yankees had their opportunities to tack on runs but failed to come through, with 8 LOB and going 1-5 with runners in scoring position.
Here’s the box score.
GAMEDAY NOTES: Here’s an awesome story found in today’s New York Daily News: New Jersey boy, 9, wins a trip to Yankee Stadium for writing winning essay … Twin’s starter Yohan Pino spent 10 years in the minor leagues before making his major league debut on June 27th.
MEMORY LANE: On July 5th, 1950, the Yankees traded a player to be named later and cash to Oakland (Pacific Coast League) for Jackie Jensen and Billy Martin … On this date in 1996, the Bronx Bombers hammered the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium 12-3. Dwight Gooden got the win behind the bats of Mike Aldrete (3-4, HR, 4 RBI), Mariano Duncan (3-4, HR, triple, 2 RBI), and Joe Girardi (3-4, 2 RBI). Rookie Derek Jeter went 1-3 with a RBI on a groundout. Happy 63rd Birthday to Rich ‘Goose’ Gossage! (Sources: Baseball Reference)
