Rookies Lead the Charge Against the Tigers

Game date- 5/30/06

( 11 innings ) Yankees- 11, Tigers- 6

W- Rivera (3-3)
L- Jones (0-2)



















Yankee firstbaseman, Andy Phillips, smacks an RBI single to left field off of Detroit's starter, Roman Colon.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

LF- Cabrera, 4-6 ( 1B, 1B, 2B, 3B, BB, 2RBI)
SS- Jeter, 0-5 ( BB, HBP, RBI)
DH- Giambi, 1-6 ( R, RBI, solo HR [13] )
3B- Rodriguez, 2-5 ( 1B, 2B, BB, 2R)
C- Posada, 1-4 ( BB, 1B, R)
2B- Cano, 1-6 (1B, R)
CF- Williams, 3-5 (1B, 1B, 1B, 2R, BB, 2RBI )
RF- Long, 2-5 ( 1B, 2B, BB, 2R)
1B- Phillips, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B, R, sac fly, 4RBI )

Other Yankee Batters:

C- Stinnet, 1-1 (1B )

Yankee Pitchers:

Small- 7H, 4R ( one unearned), 2BB, 4K, 5IP
Erickson- 2H, R, IP
Proctor- IP
Farnsworth- H, R, 2BB, 2K, IP
Rivera- H, 3K, 3IP

Notes:

Aaron Small pitched decently over his five inings of work, but was haunted by poor Yankee defense (Derek Jeter made a crucial error which led to three runs). Erickson and Farnsworth could not hold the lead, but Rivera absolutely shut down the Tigers over a season-high, 3 innings of work.

Melky Cabrera hit from the leadoff spot for only the second time in his career and he hit his first major league triple, his second double, and two singles, driving in two runs. Jason Giambi was 0 for 5 with 3 strikeouts going into the 11th inning, but he sent a 1-2 pitch into the left-field stands to give the Yanks the lead. Bernie Williams had three hits including an RBI single in the 11th inning off of Detroit's closer, and Andy Phillips drove in a career-high 4 runs.

Yankees Win Possible Playoff Preview

Game date- 5/29/06

Yankees- 4, Tigers- 0

W- Johnson (7-4)
L- Bonderman (5-4)
























Yankee rightfielder, Gary Sheffield, makes a leaping catch during Monday's game against the Detroit Tigers.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-5 ( 1B, R)
SS- Jeter, 0-3 ( RBI- ground out)
RF- Sheffield, 1-4 (1B, R, BB)
1B- Giambi, 0-3 ( BB, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-4 (1B, RBI)
C- Posada, 2-4 (1B, 1B, RBI)
2B- Cano, 3-4 (1B, 1B, 2B)
DH- Long, 0-3 ( BB, R)
LF- Cabrera, 1-4 (1B, R)

Other Yankee Batters:

1B- Phillips, 0-1
SS- Cairo, 1-2 (2B)

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 2H, 3BB, 4K, 6IP
Villone- K, 2IP
Farnsworth- K, IP

Notes:

Randy Johnson finally stepped up and pitched like a dominant ace. He gave up only two hits and 3 walks over six brilliant innings of work. The New York bullpen was just a dominant, shutting the Tigers down through the final three innings.

Jorge Posada was back in the lineup, after spending a few days recovering from a leg injury. He went 2 for 4, driving in a run. Robinson Cano had a season-high, three hits today, while Gary Sheffield made his first start in right field since the first week of May.

Yanks Take Early Lead, Rivera Shuts the Door

Game date- 5/28/06

Royals- 5, Yankees- 6

W- Wright (3-3)
L- Hernandez (1-4)
S- Rivera (11)



















Johnny Damon rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-4 ( 1B, R, RBI, solo HR [6] )
SS- Jeter, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B, 2R)
DH- Sheffield, 2-4 (1B, 1B, R)
1B- Giambi, 1-3 (2B, RBI, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-3 ( 1B, BB, 2 RBI)
2B- Cano, 0-3 (sac fly, RBI)
LF- Cabrera, 0-3 (BB, R)
RF- Long, 1-3 (1B, RBI)
C- Stinnet, 1-3 (1B)

Other Yankee Batters:

1B- Phillips, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright- 9H, 3R, BB, 2K, 5.1IP
Proctor- 2H, 2R, 2K, 1.1IP
Myers- BB, 0IP
Farnsworth- H, K, 1.1IP
Rivera- IP

Notes:

Yankees broke out of the door with 5 runs in the first inning, thanks to a solo home run by Damon to lead off, an RBI double by Giambi, a two-run single by Rodriguez, and an RBI single by Terrence Long. The Yanks added their sixth run in the second ining.

Wright pitched well, and evened his record at 3-3. The Yankee bullpen wasn't great (Proctor gave up two runs and Myers walked the only batter he faced) , but Rivera shut the door in the ninth.

Yanks Crush Royals in Hit Parade

Game date- 5/27/06

Royals- 4, Yankees- 15

W- Wang (5-2)
L- Affeldt (2-5)























Miguel Cairo smacks an RBI single to right field in the second inning of Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-5
SS- Jeter, 1-5 (1B, RBI, R)
DH- Sheffield, 1-5 (1B, R)
1B- Giambi, 1-3 (1B, BB, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-3 ( 2BB, 4R, 3RBI, 2-run HR [12], solo HR [13] )
RF- Williams, 1-3 (1B, BB, 2R)
2B- Cairo, 4-5 ( 1B, 1B, 1B, 2B, 2R, 3RBI)
LF- Cabrera, 2-4 (1B, 2B, R, 3RBI)
C- Stinnet, 3-4 ( 1B, 2B, 2R, 4RBI, 3-run HR [1] )

Other Yankee Batters:

RF- Long, 0-1
1B- Phillips, 1-1 (2B, R)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 7H, 4R, 3K, 7IP
Villone- BB, 2K, IP
Erickson- H, IP

Notes:

The Yankee #5-9 batters each had a huge game- Rodriguez homered twice, walked twice, scored 4 runs, and drove in 3 runs; Williams singled and scored two runs; Cairo singled three times, doubled, scored two runs, and drove in three runs; Cabrera singled, doubled, scored a run, and drove in 3 runs; and Stinnet singled, doubled, and hit a three-run homer. The Yanks combined for 15 runs and 16 hits.

Jeter's 2,000th Career Hit Not Enough to Defeat Kansas City

Game date- 5/26/06

Royals- 8, Yankees- 7

W- Elarton (1-5)
L- Farnsworth (1-2)
S- Sisco (1)
























Derek Jeter tips his cap to the stadium crowd after recording his 2,000th career hit.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B, R)
SS- Jeter, 2-3 ( 1B, 1B, SB, 2BB, 2R)
DH- Sheffield, 1-5 (1B, RBI)
1B- Giambi, 2-5 (1B, 2B, 2R, 2RBI)
3B- Rodriguez, 3-4 ( 1B, 1B, 2B, RBI)
2B- Cano, 1-4 (2B)
RF- Williams, 0-4 ( RBI)
LF- Cabrera, 0-4
C- Stinnet, 0-3

Other Yankee Batters:

PH- Long, 1-1 ( 1B, R)

Yankee Pitchers:

Mussina- 4H, 3R, 2BB, 6K, 6IP
Proctor- 2H, R, .1IP
Myers- H, .2IP
Farnsworth- 3H, 3R, BB, K, IP
Villone- BB, K, IP

Notes:

The Yankees recieved another solid outing by their ace, Mike Mussina, who went 6 innings and gave up only three runs ( in the third inning). Mussina left the game with the lead, but the New York bullpen could not hold on. Proctor gave up a game-tying run, and Kyle Farnsworth served up a three-run home run to Angel Berroa in the eighth inning.

Derek Jeter's infield single in the fourth inning was the 2,000th hit of his career. He became the youngest Yankee ever to record 2,000 hits ( beating Lou Gehrig by a couple of days). Alex Rodriguez went 3 for 4 with two singles, a double, and a run batted in.

Melky Chips In Big, Yanks Take 2 of 3 From Sox

Game date- 5/24/06

Yankees- 8, Red Sox- 6

W- Johnson (6-4)
L- Clement (4-4)
S- Rivera (10)

















Yankee pitcher Kyle Farnsworth celebrates after striking out David Ortiz with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

RF- Cabrera, 2-4 (1B, 1B, BB, 4 RBI)
SS- Jeter, 1-5 (2B, RBI)
DH- Sheffield, 1-4 (1B, BB)
1B- Giambi, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-5 (1B, R)
2B- Cano, 1-4 (1B, BB, 2R)
CF- Williams, 3-5 (1B, 1B, 1B, 2R, RBI)
LF- Long, 2-4 ( BB, 1B, 1B, 2R, RBI)
C- Stinnet, 0-3 ( HBP, RBI, R)

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 9H, 5R, 2BB, 8K, 5IP
Erickson- H, IP
Myers- K, .1IP
Proctor- H, R, .2IP
Farnsworth- H, BB, 2K, IP
Rivera- IP

Notes:

Once again, Randy Johnson did not pitch well, giving up 5 runs on 9 hits ( two home runs). He did strike out a season high 8 batters and pick up his sixth win of the year. The rest of the Yankee bullpen was pretty effective ( besides Proctor who gave up a solo home run to Ramirez). Farnsworth struck out David Ortiz with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning. Rivera came in and pitched a one-two-three inning to pick up his 10th save of the year.

Melky Cabrera batted in a career-high 4 runs, and Terrence Long picked up his first two Yankee hits including a two-run single. Every Yankee batters (besides Stinnet) had at least one hit.

Yankees Doing Something Wright

Game date- 5/23/06

Yankees- 7, Red Sox- 5

W- Wright (2-3)
L- Wakefield (3-6)
S- Rivera (9)




















Alex Rodriguez watches his three-run home run sail over the green monster in Fenway Park.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-5 ( 2B, 2R, RBI, solo HR [5] )
SS- Jeter, 2-4 (1B, 1B, SB, BB, R, 2 RBI)
DH- Sheffield, 0-3 ( 2BB, SB, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-4 ( 2R, 3RBI, 3-run HR [11] )
C- Posada, 1-3 (2B, BB)
2B- Cano, 0-4
LF- Williams, 0-4
RF- Long, 0-4
1B- Phillips, 1-3 ( 1B, BB, R)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright- 5H, 2BB, 3K, 5IP
Proctor- 4H, 4R, 2BB, 1.1IP
Myers- BB, 0IP
Farnsworth- R, 3BB, 2K, IP
Rivera- 2H, K, 1.2IP

Notes:

Johnny Damon led off the game with a solo home run to right field; he also doubled and scored again later in the 3rd. Jeter had two hits and drove in two runs. Rodriguez hit a three-run home run off of Tim Wakefield in the 7th inning.

Jaret Wright pitched very well through 5 innings, but the New York bullpen did not fare so well. Proctor and Farnsworth gave up a total of five runs through two innings of work... Rivera had to come in to get the final five outs and pick up his 9th save.

Schilling Shuts Down Yankees

Game date- 5/22/06

Yankees- 5, Red Sox- 9

W- Schilling ( 7-2)
L- Wang (4-2)



















Alex Rodriguez crushes a two-run home run off of Keith Foulke in the top of the ninth inning in Fenway Park.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

DH- Damon, 1-4 ( 1B, RBI)
SS- Jeter, 1-4 (1B)
1B- Giambi, 0-3
3B- Rodriguez, 2-4 ( 1B, R, 2 RBI, 2-run HR [10] )
C- Posada, 1-4 ( R, RBI, solo HR [7] )
2B- Cano, 1-4 (2B, R)
CF- Williams, 2-4 (1B, 2B, RBI)
LF- Long, 0-4
RF- Cabrera, 1-4 (2B, R)

Other Yankee Batters:

DH- Reese, 1-1 (1B, R)
1B- Phillips, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 9H, 7R, BB, K, 6IP
Villone- H, IP
Bean- 2H, 2R, BB, IP

Notes:

Chien Ming Wang did not pitch well today, giving up 7 runs on 9 hits ( including one home run). In contrast, Boston starter, Curt Schilling, was excellent- the Yanks scored only one run off of him.

Down by 8 in the ninth, Rodriguez and Posada homered off of Keith Foulke to make the game a bit closer. Terrence Long was called up from AAA to replaced the injured Bubba Crosby; Sheffield is expected to be taken off the DL tomorrow.

Mets Bomb Small, Yanks Lose Chacon to Injury

Game date- 5/21/06

Yankees- 3, Mets- 4

W- Glavine (7-2)
L- Small (0-2)




















Yankee Aaron Small delivers a pitch against the New York Mets, Sunday night.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 3-4 ( 1B, 1B, 1B, HBP, SB)
SS- Jeter, 3-5 (1B, 1B, 1B, 2 RBI)
1B- Giambi, 1-3 (1B, BB, sac fly, RBI)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-4 (BB)
2B- Cano, 1-5 (1B)
LF- Williams, 3-3 ( 1B, 2B, 2B, 2 BB, R)
RF- Cabrera, 1-4 (1B, BB)
C- Stinnet, 0-4 ( BB, R)
P- Small, 0-1 ( sac bunt)

Other Yankee Batters:

3B- Cairo, 0-1 (BB, R)
PH- Reese, 0-0 ( HBP)

Yankee Pitchers:

Small- 7H, 4R, BB, 2K, 4.1IP
Myers- K, .2IP
Bean- BB, K, IP
Villone- K, IP
Erickson- K, IP

Notes:

Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Johnny Damon all had three hits each- Jeter singled three times and drove in two runs; Damon singled three times and stole a base; and Williams singled, doubled twice, and scored a run.

Small struggled through his fourth and a third innings pitched, giving up four runs on two home runs. The Yankees bullpen, though, pitched brilliantly, holding the Mets hitless throughout the rest of the game.

The Yankee placed pitcher Shawn Chacon ( leg injury) on the DL; his spot on the roster was filled by pitcher Colter Bean.

Pedro is Dominant, But Yanks Eek Out Win Against Mets' Bullpen

Game date- 5/20/06

( 11 innings ) Yankees- 5, Mets- 4

W- Rivera (2-3)
L- Julio (1-2)













Yankee closer Mariano Rivera pitched two scoreless innings, striking out 4 of the 7 batters he faced.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-5 (BB, SB, RBI)
SS- Jeter, 1-5 (1B)
1B- Giambi, 1-4 (1B, R, BB)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-4 (1B, 1B, BB, R)
2B- Cano, 1-5 (1B, R, RBI)
LF- Cairo, 0-4 (BB, 2 SB, R)
RF- Cabrera, 1-4 (1B, BB, SB, R)
C- Stinnet, 0-4 (BB, RBI)
P- Mussina, 0-2

Other Yankee Batters:

PH- Williams, 0-0 (HBP, RBI)
PH- Reese, 1-1
1B- Phillips, 1-1 ( GW 1B, RBI)

Yankee Pitchers:

Mussina- 5H, 4R (2 unearned runs), 7K, 7IP
Villone- 2BB, K, IP
Proctor- 2K, IP
Rivera- H, 4K, 2IP

Notes:

The Yankees played very sloppily in the field today- two errors in the first inning led to two unearned runs for the Mets. All in all, the Yanks committed four errors ( by Rodriguez, Stinnet, Giambi, and Villone).

Mike Mussina pitched very well, giving up only 5 hits and 2 earned runs. He struck out 7 and allowed no walks over 7 innings of work. Villone, Proctor, and Rivera pitched the last four innings keeping the Mets scoreless. Kevin Reese smacked a pinch-hit single in the eighth inning, his first major league hit.

In the top of the ninth inning, the Mets were up to 4 to 0. Giambi led off the inning with a single, and Alex Rodriguez followed with a walk. Cano hit an RBI single to drive in the Yanks' first run. Two batters later, Cabrera walked to load the bases. Stinnet walked on four pitches, driving in a run; Williams was hit by a slider, driving in the Yanks' third run of the inning. Billy Wagner was pulled out of the game at that point, but the Yanks scored the tying run on a Johnny Damon RBI ground out. In the top of the eleventh inning, Andy Phillips hit the game-winning RBI single to right field off of Mets' reliever, Jorge Julio.

Johnson Struggles, Yankees Off to a Rough Start in Interleague Play

Game date- 5/19/06

Yankees- 6, Mets- 7

W- Wagner ( 3-0)
L- Rivera (1-3)


















Bernie Williams strokes an RBI double to left field in the first inning of Friday's game.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-5 (2B, R)
SS- Jeter, 2-5 (1B, 2B, SB, 2R, RBI)
DH- Giambi, 0-3 (BB, HBP, R)
3B- Rodriguez, ( 1B, RBI, R, BB)
2B- Cano, 1-3 (2B, R, sac fly, 2RBI)
C- Posada, 0-1
LF- Williams, 2-4 (1B, 2B, RBI)
RF- Cabrera, 1-3 ( 1B, BB)
P- Johnson, 1-3 (1B)

Other Yankee Batters:

RF- Reese, 0-1
C- Stinnet, 2-4 (1B, 1B, RBI)

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 8H, 6R, BB, 5K, 5IP
Proctor- BB, K, 2IP
Farnsworth- IP
Rivera- K, 2H, R, BB, 2/3 IP

Notes:

The Yankees got off to a great start in the first inning against the Mets starter, Gonzalez. Damon led the game off with a double, Jeter singled him in. Then Giambi walked and A-Rod singled ( though he was thrown out at second base). Cano and Williams then hit back to back doubles driving in two more runs. The Yanks had a 4 to 0 lead. Later in the game, the Yanks scored runs off of Stinnet's RBI single and Cano's RBI sac fly. Jorge Posada left the game in the third inning with back pains.

Randy Johnson was just horrible, surrendering 6 runs on 8 hits ( two home runs) and a walk. The Yanks kept the score tied throughout the six, seventh ( Proctor pitching), and eighth inning (Farnsworth pitching). But Mariano Rivera surrendered the game-winning hit to David Wright, a ground-rule double over the center-field wall which scored Paul Lo Duca.

Yankees Lose a Frustrating Game to the Rangers

Game date- 5/18/06

Rangers- 6, Yankees- 2

W- Padilla (4-3)
L- Wright (1-3)



















Jaret Wright pitched well, but received no run support from his team.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

DH- Damon, 1-5 ( 1B, 2RBI)
SS- Jeter, 0-3 (BB)
1B- Giambi, 0-2 (HBP)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-4
2B- Cano, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B, R)
CF- Williams, 0-4
RF- Cabrera, 1-3 (1B, R, BB)
LF- Crosby, 1-1 ( 1B, sac bunt)
C- Stinnet, 0-2

Other Yankee Batters:

LF- Reese, 0-2
C- Posada, 0-1 (BB)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright- 6H, 3R, 2K, 6IP
Erickson- H, 3R (one unearned), 4BB, 2IP
Villone- 3BB, IP

Notes:

Jaret Wright was brilliant through his first six innings of work, but in the seventh he gave up a big two-run homer to Brad Wilkerson and left the game with a runner on base. All in all, Wright gave a solid performance striking out two and giving up no walks. But in spite of his great effort, the Yankee bats failed to support him.

Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, and Alex Rodriguez went a combined 0 for 9 with 6 strikeouts! The Yankees left 17 men on base.

New York's bullpen also faltered as Erickson and Villone walked a total of 7 batters in just two innings of work!!! A sloppy play by Robinson Cano led to two more Ranger runs (one unearned).

Bubba Crosby left the game after injuring his left leg in the fifth inning while running the bases.

Yankees Retake the Lead in American League East Division Race

Game date- 5/17/06

Rangers- 3, Yankees- 4

W- Wang (4-1)
L- Loe (2-4)
S- Rivera (8)
















Jorge Posada hits an RBI single to right field against Texas starter Kameron Loe.

Yankee Startng Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-5
SS- Jeter, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B, R)
DH- Giambi, 1-3 (2B, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B, R)
C- Posada, 2-2 ( 1B, 1B, BB, HBP, 2RBI, R)
2B- Cano, 1-4 (1B, RBI)
RF- Williams, 1-4 ( 1B, RBI)
1B- Phillips, 1-4 (1B)
LF- Crosby, 0-3 ( sac bunt)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 6H, 3R ( one unearned), BB, 3K, 8IP
Rivera- K, IP

Notes:

Chien Ming Wang made another excellent start, going 8 strong innings and picking up his 4th win. The bullpen had a much needed night off.

Jorge Posada continued his hot hitting, going 2 for 2 with a walk, 2 RBIs, and a run scored.

Yankees Win a Thriller in the Bronx!

Game date- 5/16/06

Rangers- 13, Yankees- 14

W- Rivera (1-2)
L- Otsuka (0-1)
























New York's Jorge Posada is congratulated by teammates after hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B, BB, 4R)
SS- Jeter, 4-5 ( 1B, 1B, 2B, SB, BB, 3R, 4RBI, 3-run HR [5] )
3B- Rodriguez, 1-5 ( BB, 2B, R)
C- Posada, 2-3 (1B, BB, 2R, 5RBI, 2 sac, walkoff 2-run HR [6])
2B- Cano, 0-3 ( BB, HBP, RBI)
RF- Williams, 1-4 ( 2B, BB, 2R, RBI)
DH- Phillips, 2-5 (2B, 2B)
1B- Cairo, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B, 3RBI)
LF- Cabrera, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B, R)

Yankee Pitching:

Chacon- 6H, 8R ( one unearned), 2BB, 1.1IP
Small- 6H, 2R, BB, 2K, 4.1IP
Villone- H, 1.1IP
Proctor- 2H, 2R, BB, K, IP
Farnsworth- 2K, IP
Rivera- 2H, R, BB, IP

Notes:

Shawn Chacon was miserable, giving up 8 runs in just and inning and a thirds pitched! Aaron Small came in in relief and gave up a 3-run home run to Texas' Hank Blalock. The Yankees, by the end of the second inning, were down 9 to 0.

But the Yankees chipped away with an RBI single by Cairo, RBI double by Jeter, RBI groundout by Cano, RBI sac fly by Posada, and another unearned run. The score was then 10 to 5, Rangers leading.

When Small left the game, Ron Villone came in and served up a double to Blalock. But Cabrera cut the ball off in right field, threw to Jeter who in turn relayed to home plate, and Posada tagged out Teixeira.

In the sixth inning, Derek Jeter hit a three-run home run, Bernie Williams hit an RBI double, and Miguel Cairo smacked a two-run single to left field as the Yanks took an 11 to 10 lead. New York had staged the biggest comeback (they had done it four other times) in the history of the franchise.

Joe Torre again went to the bullpen and brought in Scott Proctor who gave up a two-run homer to Brad Wilkerson. The Rangers led 12 to 11. But in the bottom of the seventh, Jorge Posada brought in Johnny Damon on his second sac fly of the night, and the game was once again tied.

12 to 12.

Mariano Rivera entered the game in the ninth inning, but blew the tie by giving up a RBI double to Rod Barajas. The Yankees had one inning left to stage yet another comeback.

13 to 12, Rangers lead.

Johnny Damon lead the inning off with a sharp single passed the first basemen. The Texas closer, Otsuku, then retired Jeter ( who moved Damon to second) and A-Rod. Jorge Posada came to the plate with two outs and representing the last hope for the Yankees.

Ball one.

Ball two.

Ball three.

Strike one.

On a 3-1 pitch, Posada hit his second career walk-off home run and the Yankees celebrated at home plate. The game (almost four hours long) will definitely be remembered as a great Yankee classic.

Another Great Performance by Mussina Spoiled by Yankees' Lack of Offense

Game date- 5/15/06

Rangers- 4, Yankees- 2

W- Millwood (4-3)
L- Farnsworth (1-1)
S- Otsuka (5)
























Yankee right fielder, Bubba Crosby, make a spectacular catch in the fifth inning, keeping at least two Texas runners from scoring.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-4
SS- Jeter, 1-4 (1B)
1B- Giambi, 1-3 (1B)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-4 ( 2B, R)
2B- Cano, 2-4 (1B, 1B, RBI, R)
C- Posada, 0-4
DH- Williams, 0-3
RF- Crosby, 1-3 (1B, RBI)
LF- Cabrera, 0-3

Yankee Pitchers:

Mussina- 6H, 2R, BB, 5K, 7IP
Farnsworth- 3H, 2R, BB, K, IP
Proctor- H, K, IP

Notes:

Mike Mussina had a very solid outing for the Yankees, pitching seven complete innings. But the Yankees failed to score more then two runs against Kevin Millwood.

Robinson Cano had two hits and batted in a run; Bubba Crosby also had an RBI hit and made a spectacular catch in right field (above). But the Yankees have really struggled scoring runs without Sheffield and Matsui; the team has scored only 2.3 runs per game over their last four games.

Dan Haren Silences Yankee Bats

Game date- 5/14/06

Athletics- 6, Yankees- 1

W- Haren (3-3)
L- Johnson (5-4)
























Yankee starter, Randy Johnson, reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Oakland's Mark Kotsay in the first inning of Sunday's game.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

DH- Damon, 1-4 (1B)
SS- Jeter, 1-4 (1B)
1B- Giambi, 0-4
3B- Rodriguez, 1-4 (1B)
2B- Cano, 1-4 (1B)
C- Posada, 1-3 ( R, RBI, solo HR [5] )
RF- Williams, 0-3
CF- Crosby, 1-3 (1B)
LF- Cabrera, 0-3

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 8H, 4R, BB, 4K, 6IP
Erickson- 2BB, R, 1.2IP
Villone- BB, .1IP
Small- H, R (unearned), BB, IP

Notes:

Randy Johnson struggled through the first two innings giving up three runs, but settled down through the next four innings pitched. Johnson gave up two home runs ( Kotsay, Payton) and picked up his fourth loss of the season. Scott Erickson made his Yankee-debut today, pitching an inning and two thirds (giving up one run). Erickson was called up when Tanyon Sturtze went on the disabled list yesterday.

The only offense for the Yankees today was Jorge Posada's solo home run in the second inning.

Jaret Wright Picks Up his First Win of the Season

Game date-5/13/06

Athletics- 3, Yankees- 4

W- Wright (1-2)
L- Halsey (1-2)
S- Farnsworth (1)
























Alex Rodriguez watches his three-run home run land near the left field bullpen in Yankee Stadium.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-3 ( 1B, 1B, BB, R)
SS- Jeter, 1-4 ( R, RBI, solo HR [4] )
DH- Giambi, 0-3 (BB, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-3 ( BB, 1B, R, 3RBI, 3-run HR [9] )
RF- Williams, 0-4
2B- Cano, 1-3 (1B, BB)
1B- Phillips, 0-3
C- Stinnet, 0-4
LF- Cabrera, 1-3 (1B)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright- 5H, 2R, 3BB, 5K, 5.1IP
Sturtze- 2H, .1IP
Proctor- H, BB, 2K, 2.1IP
Farnsworth- H, R (unearned), BB, K, IP

Notes:

Jaret Wright pitched well today, going 5 and a third innings and giving up only 2 runs on 5 hits. Wright picked up his first win this season (and his first win in his last seven starts).

Alex Rodriguez hit a three-run home run in the first inning of today's game. It's his ninth of the season and third in the last four games. Rodriguez leads the league in go-ahead RBIs.

Mariano Rivera had the day off ( after pitching yesterday and feeling sick today), so Farnsworth had to pitch the ninth inning.

Wang Pitches a Gem, Yankees Beat A's

Game date- 5/12/06

Athletics- 0, Yankees- 2

W- Wang (3-1)
L- Zito (2-3)
S- Rivera (7)


















Alex Rodriguez hits a solo home run to left center field against Oakland starter, Barry Zito.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-3 ( 1B, BB)
SS- Jeter, 0-3 (BB)
DH- Giambi, 0-3 ( BB, SB)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-4 ( R, RBI, solo HR [8] )
RF- Williams, 1-4 ( R, RBI, solo HR [2] )
C- Posada, 2-3 (1B, 2B, BB)
2B- Cano, 1-4 (1B)
1B- Phillips, 1-3 (1B)
LF- Cabrera, 1-2 (1B, sac bunt)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 3H, 0R, 2BB, 8IP
Rivera- H, BB, IP

Notes:

Chien Ming Wang pitched an incredible ball game, going 8 strong innings and giving up no runs. He got many ground ball outs and induced several double plays.

Alex Rodriguez belted a tie-breaking solo home run off of Barry Zito in the sixth inning. Bernie Williams also hit a solo home run (later in the eighth inning).

The Yankee defense was great, Robinson Cano and Andy Phillips both making spectacular plays. The Yankees infield turned 5 double plays during the game.

Yankees Lose the Game, the Series, and their Left Fielder

Game date- 5/11/06

Red Sox- 5, Yankees- 3

W- Wakefield (3-4)
L- Villone (0-1)
S- Papelbon (13)















Yankee left fielder, Hideki Matsui, grimaces after fracturing his wrist in the first inning of Thursday's game against the Boston Red Sox.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-5
SS- Jeter, 3-4 ( 1B, 1B, 1B, BB, R, RBI, 3 SB)
DH- Giambi, 0-5
3B- Rodriguez, 1-3 ( 1B, BB, R, SB)
LF- Matsui, 0-0 ( left game in the 1st inning)
RF- Williams, 1-3 (BB, 2B)
C- Posada, 1-3 (1B, BB, 2RBI)
2B- Cano, 0-4
1B- Cairo, 0-1

Other Yankee Batters:

LF- Crosby, 2-4 ( 1B, 3B, SB, R)

Yankee Pitchers:

Chacon- 5H, R, 5BB, K, 4.2IP
Proctor- 3H, R, .1IP
Myers- .1IP
Sturze- BB, 0IP
Villone- 2H, 2R, K, IP
Farnsworth- H, 3K, 1.2IP
Rivera- 2H, R, IP

Notes:

In the top of the first inning, Mark Loretta hit a shallow fly ball to left field. Matsui came in and slid awkwardly, trying to make the grab, but ended up hurting his wrist. He left the game, ending his 518 consecutive major league games played streak. Later, tests came back showing that Matsui had indeed fractured his left wrist, and will be out of the lineup for at least three months. This is a terrible blow to the Yankee lineup, since Matsui has driven in over 100 RBIs every year, and is one of the Yankees best ( and most reliable) clutch hitters. Yankee general manager says that Matsui may be out for an entire season, depending on how quickly his wrist heals. Hideki Matsui will have surgery on his wrist later today.

Yankee pitching wasn't great, allowing 13 hits and 6 walks. Ron Villone gave up the go-ahead run to the Red Sox in the seventh inning, after Bernie Williams failed to catch a fly ball. Chacon, Proctor, and Rivera also gave up one run each to the Boston Red Sox.

Derek Jeter and Bubba Crosby had impressive nights- Jeter going 3 for 4 with 3 singles, a walk, a run scored, a run batted in, and 3 stolen bases. Crosby went 2 for 3 with a triple, single, stolen base, and a run scored. Damon and Crosby both made incredible catches in the outfield. Crosby reached over the left field wall to take a home run away from Mike Lowell. Damon stole an extra base hit away from Doug Mirabelli by reaching up, catching the ball, and slamming into the center field wall.

Yankee Bats Come Alive Against Curt Schilling and the Red Sox

Game date- 5/10/06

Red Sox- 3, Yankees- 7

W- Mussina (6-1)
L- Schilling (5-2)















New York's Jorge Posada hits an upper-deck, two-run home run in the fifth inning against Boston starter Curt Schilling.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-4 (1B, RBI)
SS- Jeter, 1-4 (1B, R)
1B- Giambi, 2-4 ( 1B, R, 2RBI, 2-run HR [12] )
3B- Rodriguez, 2-4 (1B, R, RBI, solo HR [7] )
LF- Matsui, 0-3 (BB, R)
C- Posada, 2-4 ( 2B, 2R, 2RBI, 2-run HR [4] )
2B- Cano, 2-4 (1B, 1B)
DH- Williams, 1-3 ( 2B, sac fly, R, RBI)
RF- Cabrera, 0-1 (BB, sac bunt)

Yankee Pitchers:

Mussina- 7H, 3R, BB, 5K, 6.2IP
Myers- H, 0IP
Proctor- K, 1.1IP
Rivera- IP

Notes:

Mike Mussina had a rough first two innings (giving up home runs to Ortiz and Lowell), but settled down and pitched very well. Mussina picked up his league-best 6th win of the season after pitching an inning and a third.

The Yankees were down 3 to 0 in the third inning, but Bernie Williams' sac fly in the third and Jason Giambi's 2-run home run in the fourth inning tied the game. Alex Rodriguez hit a go-ahead solo home run in the fifth inning ( followed by Jorge Posada's two-run blast).

In the seventh inning with runners on first and third with two outs, Scott Proctor was brought into the game. He struck out Manny Ramirez to end the inning and stifle a Red Sox' rally. He pitched a scoreless eighth to improve his ERA to 1.25.

New York's Sloppy Defense Blows Game Against the Red Sox

Game date- 5/09/06

Red Sox- 14, Yankees- 3

W- Beckett (4-1)
L- Johnson (5-3)



















Yankee starter, Randy Johson, leaves the game in the fourth inning after giving up seven runs to the Boston Red Sox.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-3
SS- Jeter, 1-4 (1B, R)
1B- Giambi, 2-4 ( 1B, R, 2RBI, 2-run HR [11] )
3B- Rodriguez, 0-3
LF- Matsui, 0-4
C- Posada, 0-3 (1B)
2B- Cano, 1-4 (2B, R)
DH- Williams, 0-3
RF- Cabrera, 2-3 ( 1B, 1B, RBI)

Other Yankee Batters:

CF- Crosby, 0-0 (HBP)
3B- Cairo, 0-1
C- Stinnet, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 5H, 7R ( 5 were unearned), 5BB, 3K, 3.2IP
Small- 4H, 4R ( 1 was unearned), BB, K, 2.1IP
Villone- 2H, 2BB, 2K, 2IP
Sturze- 5H, 3R, IP

Notes:

Randy Johnson was just deplorable Tuesday night, giving up 7 runs on 5 hits and 5 walks. He left the game in the fourth inning after throwing 92 pitches. Aaron Small and Tanyon Sturze were equally bad ( giving up 7 more runs). Ron Villone was the only Yankee pitcher who did not allow a run to score.

The Yankee defense was terrible- Alex Rodriguez failed to come up with a ball cleanly which led to three unearned runs in the fourth inning, Melky Cabrera ( called up to replace the injured Sheffield) dropped a fly ball which led to two more unearned runs in the fourth, and A-Rod made another fielding error in the fifth inning which led to one more unearned run.

The Yankees placed Gary Sheffield on the disabled list due to a wrist injury. Melky Cabrera was called up from AAA to replace him in right field.

Bernie Williams was ejected from the game after arguing with the home plat umpire over a called strike-three. Williams' struck out three times in the game.

The one bright spot was Jason Giambi's 11th home run of the year, off of Josh Beckett in the first inning. Melky Cabrera added an RBI single later in the 5th inning.

Yankees Sweep the Texas Rangers

Game date- 5/07/06

Yankees- 8, Rangers- 5

W- Wang (2-1)
L- Tejeda (1-1)



















Hideki Matsui watches his three-run home run land in the left field stands.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-5 ( 1B, SB, RBI)
SS- Jeter, 0-5
1B- Giambi, 0-3 ( 2BB, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-5 (1B, 1B, 2R)
DH- Matsui, 2-2 ( 1B, 3BB, 2R, 3RBI, 3-run HR [5] )
2B- Cano, 2-5 (1B, 1B, R)
RF- Williams, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B, R, 2RBI)
LF- Crosby, 1-3 ( 1B, HBP, R)
C- Stinnet, 2-4 ( 1B, 2B, 2RBI)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wang- 7H, 3R, 2K, 6IP
Sturze- 2BB, R
Proctor- K, IP
Farnsworth- K, BB, IP
Rivera- 2H, R (unearned), IP

Notes:

Hideki Matsui had a big day, going 2 for 2 with three walks, a single, and a three-run home run ( his fifth of the year). Kelly Stinnet had two RBIs ( on a bases-loaded single), his first two as a Yankee.

Chien Ming Wang was very effective over his six innings of work, giving up only 3 runs. Tanyon Sturze came on in relief, but loaded the bases (without recording an out). Scott Proctor was called in and did an incredible job shutting down the Rangers ( allowing only one of the three base-runners score).

This victory marked Joe Torre's 1,000th victory as Yankee manager.

The Yankees have an off-day tomorrow, but will host the Red Sox in a three-game set Tuesday through Thursday.

Giambi, Rodriguez Power Yanks to Fourth Straight Victory

Game date- 5/06/06

Yankees- 6, Rangers- 1

W- Chacon (4-1)
L- Loe (1-3)



















New York's Jason Giambi hits a solo home run in the first inning of Saturday's game with Texas.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-5 ( 1B, SB, R)
SS- Jeter, 1-5 ( 1B, R, RBI)
1B- Giambi, 1-2 ( 2BB, 2R, RBI, solo HR [10] )
3B- Rodriguez, 1-4 ( R, 3RBI, 3-run HR [6] )
LF- Matsui, 0-4
C- Posada, 2-3 ( 1B, 1B, BB, R)
2B- Cano, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B)
DH-Williams, 1-4 (1B)
RF- Crosby, 1-4 ( 1B, RBI)

Other Yankee Batters:

1B- Phillips, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

Chacon- 5H, R, 4BB, 6K, 6.1IP
Sturze- BB, .2IP
Proctor- 2H, K, 2IP

Notes:

Shawn Chacon had another solid outing for the Yanks, improving his record to 4 and 1. Chacon struck out 6 in 6 and a third innings pitched.

Jason Giambi and Alex Rodriguez supplied the power for the Yankees, each homering in the game. Rodriguez's 3-run home run was his sixth of the season; Giambi's solo home run was his tenth of the season.

Rangers Rally in the Eighth, But the Yankees Hold On

Game date- 5/05/06

Yankees- 8, Rangers- 7

W- Mussina (5-1)
L- Padilla (3-2)
S- Rivera (6)
















Yankee captain, Derek Jeter, singles in the first inning against Texas starter, Vicente Padilla.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B, BB, 2R, RBI)
SS- Jeter, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B, 2R, 2RBI)
RF- Sheffield, 0-5
1B- Giambi, 0-3 (2BB, RBI)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-4 ( 1B, 2B, BB, 3RBI)
LF- Matsui, 1-3 ( 2B, 2BB, 2R)
C- Posada, 0-4 (BB, RBI)
2B- Cano, 1-5 (1B, R)
DH- Williams, 1-4 ( 1B, BB, 2R)

Yankee Pitchers:

Mussina- 3H, 2R, 5K, 7IP
Small- 3H, 3R, .1IP
Farnsworth- H, 2R, BB, K, .1IP
Rivera- 3H, 1.1IP

Notes:

Mike Mussina had another strong start for New York, pitching 7 innings and giving up only two runs on three hits ( no walks).

Alex Rodriguez had a good day, going 2 for 4 with a single, double and 3 runs batted in. Derek Jeter also had two hits; he batted in 2 runs and scored 2 runs.

In the eighth inning ( Yankees up 8 to 1), Mussina gave up a lead-off single, and was pulled from the game. Aaron Small came in in relief, but gave up three runs on 3 hits. He was pulled from the game for Kyle Farnsworth who gave up a couple more hits. Rivera came in and gave up three hits ( the two runners who did score were charged to Farnsworth), but finally shut the door and nailed down his sixth save of the season.

Yankees Slam through Tampa Bay, Complete the Sweep

Game date- 5/04/06

Yankees- 10, Devil Rays- 5

W- Johnson (5-2)
L- Orvella (1-2)
















New York's Johnny Damon is congratulated by teammates after hitting a grand slam in the eighth inning of Thursday's game against the Devil Rays.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

DH- Damon, 2-5 ( 1B, 2R, 4RBI, grand slam [4] )
SS- Jeter, 0-4 (BB)
1B- Giambi, 1-4 ( 1B, RBI, BB)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-4 ( HBP, RBI)
LF- Matsui, 3-5 ( 1B, 2B, 2R, RBI, solo HR [4] )
C- Posada, 0-2 ( 3BB, 2R)
2B- Cano, 1-5 (2B, 2R, RBI)
RF- Williams, 2-4 ( 1B, 1B, 2RBI, sac bunt)
CF- Crosby, 0-2

Other Yankee Batters:

RF- Sheffield, 1-2 ( 1B, BB, 2R)

Yankee Pitchers:

Johnson- 7H, 5R, 2BB, 4K, 6.2IP
Sturze- .1IP
Proctor- H, BB, K, .2IP
Myers- H, BB, K, 1.1IP

Notes:

Randy Johnson struggled for his third consecutive start, giving up 5 runs on seven hits ( including a go-ahead home run to Ty Wigginton). He did pitch into the seventh inning, and picked up his league best 5th win ( tied with Jose Contreras of the White Sox).

The Yankee bullpen was dominate once again, with good performances by Sturze, Myers , and Proctor. The Yankee bullpen really has been splendid so far this year, check out these ERAs:

Kyle Farnsworth: 2.53 ERA
Ron Villone: 1.80 ERA
Mike Myers: 1.08 ERA
Scott Proctor: 1.56 ERA

Hideki Matsui had his second consecutive multi-hit game; he went three for five, only a triple short of the cycle.

Johnny Damon opened the game up in the eighth with a grand slam to left field ( after the D'Rays had opted to intentionally walk Sheffield to get to him).

Rodriguez and Matsui Lead Yankees to Victory in the Tenth

Game date- 5/03/06

Yankees- 4, Devil Rays- 2

W- Farnsworth (1-0)
L- Walker (0-3)
S- Rivera (5)























New York's Jaret Wright delivers a pitch in the first inning of Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-4 ( 2B, BB, R)
SS- Jeter, 0-4 (BB, R)
DH- Giambi, 0-2 (2BB, HBP)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-4 ( RBI, BB, GW 1B)
LF- Matsui, 2-5 ( 1B, 1B, R)
RF- Williams, 3-5 ( 1B, 1B, 1B, R)
2B- Cano, 1-3 (2B, R)
1B- Phillips, 0-2
C- Stinnet, 0-2

Other Yankee Batters:

C- Posada, 1-2 ( 1B, RBI)
1B- Cairo, 0-2 ( RBI ground-out)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright- 3H, 2R, 2BB, 3K, 6IP
Villone- IP
Myers- H, .2IP
Farnsworth- 2K, 1.1IP
Rivera- K, IP

Notes:

Jaret Wright was splendid in his third start of the season, pitching six, very effective innings. He only made one mistake ( a fast ball that was hit out of the park by Perez), but otherwise he was very solid. It was just what the Yankees needed from their number 5 starter.

The Yankees bullpen was excellent in four innings of work- Villone pitched a 1-2-3 inning and Myers got two outs in the eighth before giving up a single. Farnsworth came in and pitched 1 and a third innings of scoreless baseball. Rivera was lights out, recording his fifth save of the season.

Jorge Posada's pinch-hit RBI single and Miguel Cairo's pinch-hit RBI ground out tied the game in the seventh inning. In the tenth, Damon lead off with a ground-rule double; Jeter followed with a walk. Giambi moved both runners over with a soft ground ball to the Tampa Bay secondbaseman. Alex Rodriguez and Hideki Matsui hit back-to-back RBI singles giving the Yanks the lead.

Jason Giambi won the American League Player of the Month award, yesterday, for his stellar performance this April. Giambi batted .344 with 9 home runs and 27 RBIs.

Rain Washes Out Final Game in Yankees/Red Sox Series

Game date- 5/02/06

POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN













A tarp covers the field to protect it from the oncoming rain.

The rain came down hard in Boston, and showed no signs of easing up. The game was rescheduled for August 18th as part of a day-night doubleheader. Shawn Chacon who was scheduled to pitch for the Yankees will have the next few days off instead. The Yankees are skipping his spot in the rotation until next week. Jaret Wright will pitch Wednesday against the Devil Rays.

Papi Burns the Yanks, Sox Take Game One

Game date- 5/01/06

Yankees- 3, Red Sox- 7

W- Timlin (3-0)
L- Small (0-1)













Johnny Damon returns to the Yankee dugout after popping up to third base in the fifth inning.

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 0-4
SS- Jeter, 1-3 ( 1B, BB, R)
DH- Giambi, 0-3 ( BB, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-2 ( 2BB, R)
LF- Matsui, 0-4 (RBI)
C- Posada, 0-4
2B- Cano, 2-3 ( 1B, 1B, 2RBI)
1B- Cairo, 0-3
RF- Crosby, 1-3 (1B)

Yankee Pitching:

Wang- 6H, 3R, 4BB, 5IP
Small- 2H, 2R, 3BB, 2.1IP
Sturze- H, R, 0IP
Myers- H, R, 0IP
Proctor- K, .2IP

Notes:

Chien-Ming Wang labored through his five innings of work, getting out of some big jams with ground-ball-outs and double plays. Small pitched fairly well in his season debut, but left the game in the 8th with two runners on. Sturze and Myers could not get the final two outs and gave up some big RBI hits ( Myers gave up Ortiz's 3-run homer).

Johnny Damon went 0 for 4 in his return to Boston, this time as a Yankee. He was "welcomed" back to Fenway Park with resounding boos.

Robinson Cano was the only offense against Tim Wakefield (the Boston starter). He had a big two-out, two-run single in the 4th inning to give the Yankees a short lead. Cano bats higher then .400 against Boston over his first two big league seasons.