The Yankees won the final game of their series vs. the Reds 4-1 behind timely hitting. Three of the four Yankee runs came with two outs, via Jason Giambi two-run double and a run scoring double provided by Jorge Posada. Despite the fact the offense left six runners on base they seemed to find some rhythm in the latter innings, displaying signs of returning to normal intimidating form. The pitching was dominant, as Andy Pettitte pitched six scoreless innings yielding only four hits while striking out four Reds. Pettitte has been extremely effective, and has now pitched 19.2 consecutive scoreless innings acceping the role of becoming an anchor among the pitching staff with the loss of Chien-Ming Wang. Edwar Ramirez tossed only nine pitches to silence the Reds in the 7th inning and has seemed to claim the 7th inning role. Kyle Farnsworth recorded two outs in the 8th inning before being injured attempting to field a hot one-hopper ground ball with his bare hand. Mariano Rivera relieved him and muscled his way through the last four outs earning his 21st save of the season. The Yankees pitching has been outstanding, but the offense has been inconsistent and hopes to have gained rhythm back from today’s clutch hits. With the Yankees win today they have never been swept at home in an interleague series and look to take their interleague dominance on the road vs. the Pirates. Darrell Rasner will get the nod on Tuesday dueling Tom Gorzelanny, who will be the first of three left-handed pitchers the Yankees will face during the Pirates series.
Andy Pettitte has been locked in winning four of his last six starts and allowing just one earned run during his last 21 innings of work.
Video clip of Jason Gimabi’s timely two-run double smacked to left field curtesy of MLB.com:
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