The Yankees extended their winning streak to seven clipping the Padres 2-1. Joba Chamberlain made his 4th start pitching 5.2 promising innings allowing four hits and one run, while recording a season high nine strike-outs. Joba has been making tremendous progress, but must pitch more economical and efficient, reducing his pitch count and walks issued. Joba will tackle these issues by learning from each start and will only improve, as he will eventually become a dominant starter. Despite pitch count restrictions and a plethora of controversy Joba has done an excellent job of adjusting into the starter’s role. Joe Girardi has done an outstanding job remaining conservative with his pitch count avoiding temptations to over-stretch him, taking necessary precautions to keep him healthy. Once again the bullpen never gave the opposition an opportunity to get back in the game, despite protecting a slim one-run lead. Jose Veras earned the win continuing to make a strong, reliable name for himself and Kyle Farnsworth struck-out two Padres holding down 8th inning duties. These relievers have made the Joba transition smoother as well, by dominating the late innings filling Joba’s former role with authority. Mariano Rivera picked up his 20th save of the season, which he didn’t do until August 18th last season, striking out the side. The offense was silenced by Josh Banks and the rest of the Padre’s pitching, but the Yankees defeat them by playing small ball. Girardi has come prepared to every game thus far and his ability to expose opposing team’s weaknesses is proof. The Yankees stole eight bases this series and both runs today were created from stolen bases and sacrifice plays. Through-out the team’s outstanding run they have demonstrated they can win playing small ball or by slugging their way to victory. The coaching and the bullpen have been simply outstanding and the Yankees look to fire on all cylinders tomorrow when Mike Mussina faces off vs. Edinson Volquez and the Reds.
Joba Chamberlain pitched excellent today and his transition from reliver to starter has been very smooth thanks to the bullpen and the coaching staff.
Video clip of Joba Chamberlain’s nine strike-outs curtesy of MLB.com:
Posted by zachirsch 