GAME 62: With a box score that would make the 2013 Yankees proud, the team wasted opportunity after opportunity until the 27th out was finally made. You knew it was going to be a long day by the second inning. New York loaded the bases with no one out and — you guessed it. They could not muster even a sac fly. Hiroki Kuroda pitched his heart out over 7 innings, with just one bad frame, allowing 2 runs in the second. The Kansas City Royals pitching made it hold up, as the 2-1 final was arguably their most frustrating loss of the season to date. When you strand 17 runners, even an offensively-challenged team like the Royals will beat you. Four times the Yankees had a man on third with less than 2 out, all resulting in nothing.
Royals starter James Shields came into the contest with a 8-15 record against the Yankees, but had little trouble with them today.
Once Again, Goose Eggs For Kuroda
For the umpteenth time, the Yankees failed to provide adequate run support for Kuroda, whose record fell to 4-4. The righty scattered 5 hits over 7 complete innings, striking out 2 and walking 2. Adam Warren pitched a scoreless 8th inning. Ichiro Suzuki went 2-4 and drove in the Yanks’ only run on a ground-out to first. Yangervis Solarte and Brett Gardner also chipped 2 hits apiece, but no one could move them around the bases.
The Yankees again failed to take advantage of a Toronto loss, and remain 6 games back in the AL East, with a .500 record at 31-31. Here’s the box score and recap.
MEMORY LANE: July 8, 1969 was Mickey Mantle Day in New York. (See video below.) With 60,096 fans on hand, Mantle’s number 7 is retired and plaques he exchanges with Joe DiMaggio will hang on the center field wall at Yankee Stadium. DiMaggio’s plaque comes as a surprise to the Yankee Clipper. The Yankees then sweep the White Sox 3-1 and 11-2. (Source: Today In Baseball History) … Also, here’s a must-see video: The Mick’s final home run at Yankee Stadium, which he hit off Whitey Ford! You heard right! …
