The Yankees have clinched playoff contention for the 14th time in the last 15 years last night in a 6-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. It was one of those, "this guy is the best pitcher in the league" games from CC Sabathia (21-7.) CC threw 8 and a third innings striking out 8, and giving up only 3 hits and an earned run in the process. The last batter he retired was Jose Bautista, the Major League leader in homeruns. Runners being on first and second at the time made Girardi's decision to yank him, however I don't understand why you don't let him pitch to Vernon Wells after he already got the more dangerous hitter out. Rivera did come on to clean up the small mess, clinching yet another big game for New York.
Son of former Yankee Doug Drabek, Kyle Drabek took the loss for Toronto (0-3.) The Yanks went the entire game without homering, "bottom-line worthy" guys included Derek Jeter and Brett Gardner who both had multi-hit games, as well as A-Rod who knocked in 2 runs. The first four batters in the Yankee lineup all had rbi. Travis Snider homered in the 3rd inning for Toronto, their only run.
Now that the Yanks have clinched at minimum, the Wild Card, the AL East chase is on. Tampa beat the Orioles 5-0 last night, so they have clinched a playoff birth as well. We'll have to see how Mr. Girardi plays this thing out being he wants everyone healthy and rested for October-ball, starting with tonight in Toronto. After tonight they finish the season up in Boston, of course. In my opinion I don't think you can go up to Boston and half-ass it. Even though they are the ones who missed out on the playoffs for the first time since '06, you do not want to go into the playoffs after being ripped up by your biggest rival, postseason team or not. If you see Robertson in the ballgame with the score within a run or 2, the Yanks want this division, on the flip side if you see Chad Gaudin in that same situation, welp, be happy with the wild card, and get ready for Minnesota.
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