GAME 105: After a disappointing finish to strong post-All Star break home stand, the Yankees began their road trip on a sour note. David Phelps was putting up zeros until it got away from him the 5th inning, allowing 4 runs from which New York could not overcome against Yu Darvish. Texas surpassed the 2-0 Yankees lead provided by two Brett Gardner solo homers.
Here’s the box score and recap.
Gardner Owns Darvish
Brett Gardner’s career line against Yu Darvish is 5-11 with 4 home runs. After the game, Gardy was quoted:
“It’s hard to have confidence in the batter’s box when he’s on the mound. He’s pretty good and he’s got good stuff. I’m fortunate I’m taking some good swings and had some good results. I would gladly trade them for a win, that’s for sure.”
With their third straight loss, the Yankees are now closer to 4th place than 1st in the AL East. The surging Tampa Rays are just 2.5 games behind New York. Their ceiling seems to be 5 games over .500 — which they cannot get above. Every time they get to 5 above, they go into a tailspin that brings them back to .500. As August approaches, that has to stop now.
MILESTONES: Derek Jeter passes Carl Yastrzemski for 7th place on the all-time major leagues hit list.
MEMORY LANE: On July 28th, 1983, American League president Lee McPhail ruled George Brett‘s “pine tar” home run against New York on July 24 should count. The umpires had disallowed the homer because the pine tar on Brett’s bat exceeded the 18-inch limit. The remainder of the game was played on Aug. 18 with the Kansas City Royals beating the Yankees, 5-4.
