GAME 33: A 5 run outburst by the Yankees in the top of 1st set the table for a series clinching win against the L.A. Angels tonight. Stand-in starter Vidal Nuno earned his first win of the season, spreading 4 hits over 6 1/3 brilliantly pitched innings, walking only one batter. It was everything and more expected out of the crafty left-hander, and a much needed boost to the rotation.
Hitting heros in the first inning rally included Mark Teixeira, Yangervis Solarte, Brett Gardner (on a tapper back to the pitcher that resulted in a RBI), and last night’s star Brian Roberts.
Jeter Delivers
Derek Jeter, in likely his last game on Angel’s Stadium turf, did what Derek Jeter does in these moments — put an exclamation point on it. In the bottom of the 2nd, Jeter stroked a 2-out home run into the left field seats, his first of the season, pushing the Yank’s lead to 6-0.
Nuno Answers The Call
With flashes of pure brilliance mixed with frustrating outings, Vidal Nuno got it back on track tonight with an exceptional performance against a dangerous lineup, keeping Mike Trout and Albert Puljos hitless.
Here’s the box score and a recap from Bryan Hoch (mlb.com).
GAMEDAY NOTES: Props to the Halo’s organization and fans for their warm embrace of Derek Jeter. Barring a post-season showdown, tonight will be The Captain’s last game in Anaheim. In a pre-game ceremony, Jeter was was presented with a giant pinstriped paddle board … Manager Joe Girardi said earlier: “It’s been special. I think it’s the loudest reaction he’s gotten anywhere we’ve been except home. I thought it showed a lot of respect for what he’s done in the game from the baseball fans here in this area.” …
PAGE SIX DEPT: When a stinging passage about Robinson Cano‘s approach to the game — and who the greatest closer ever would prefer behind him at second base in a do-or-die game — from Mariano Rivera‘s soon to be released book ‘The Closer” hit the news, opinions came in from all sides. Here’s some nice leg work by LoHud‘s Chad Jennings in sharing this piece: Cano: “Mariano is a person I have great respect for and I always will” — where we hear Cano’s first public reaction …
MEMORY LANE: On May 7th, 1959, a crowd of 93,103 came to the Los Angeles Coliseum on “Roy Campanella Night” to show their affection for the paralyzed Dodger catcher. The Dodgers were beaten by the New York Yankees, 6-2, in an exhibition game that followed the ceremonies. (Source: Today in Baseball History).
