Game 81 | 44-37, 1st : After the Yankees almost emptied their bullpen in last night’s 12-inning instant classic, the team needed some length out of starter Michael Pineda this afternoon, and Big Mike delivered. The only problem was Dellin Betances couldn’t nail it down in the 9th, allowing a 2-run blast by Steven Souza, Jr. to tie the game at 2-2.
In the bottom of the 9th, Mark Teixeira led off with a double to the right field corner, and replaced by pinch-runner Jose Pirela. After a Chris Young walk, Ramon Flores laid down a sac bunt. Tampa reliever Brad Boxburger made a wide toss to first, as Pirela never stopped running from second, sliding in under the throw for the walkoff victory.
Here’s the box score, full recap, and video highlights.
Yankees 3, Rays 2
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- Michael Pineda Big Mike is back the groove with a 10-strikeout outing over 7 innings. He faced one batter in the 8th, allowing a leadoff double to Asdrubal Cabrera before giving way to Justin Wilson. Pineda’s control was spot on, giving up only one walk.
“That’s the best stuff I’ve seen him have all year, probably. He obviously had great stuff when he struck out 16, but from center field, his fastball is up to 93-94 (miles-per-hour) and some of them are cutting and it looks like Mariano (Rivera).” ‐ Brett Gardner on Pineda’s outing (h/t: Mike Zacchio/LoHud)
- Mark Teixeira Tex is getting done with the bat and the glove, making another highlight reel stab today at first base.
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FOOTNOTES : The streakiness of the 2015 club is maddening, you get the feeling the Yanks should be about 6+ games up by now. They need to close out the Rays, then show Oakland no mercy in the upcoming 3-game set…
