It took them a month, but the New York Yankees were finally able to climb back atop the AL East after defeating the Red Sox 3-2 in Friday night’s series opener.
Boston took an early lead when the ridiculous season of Jacoby Ellsbury continued with an RBI double off of Yankees starter Bartolo Colon. The lead was extended to 2-0 in the 4th when David Ortiz took Colon deep to right field for his 21st home run of the year.
It appeared it could be all Red Sox starter Jon Lester would need, as the right hander allowed only two hits including a bunt single through his first 5 frames.
But New York finally broke through in the 6th, as the first four Yankees reached base against Lester. After 3 hits and 2 walks, the Yanks took a 3-2 lead in what would end up being Lester’s last inning.
The rest was left up to the Yanks pen, and they were able to show why they’ve been one of the league’s best this season. New York relievers only allowed 2 hits while walking none over the final 4.1 innings to preserve the lead and propel the Yankees back into first place.
New York has now won 8 straight and 11 of their last 13 while the Sox are 6-6 over there last 12. It’s only the first of a three game set, but it was important for New York to get out of the gate with the victory.
"“I think it’s important because we’ve had some troubles pitching to this club,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “They’ve scored some runs off us. To be able to make some pitches like we did tonight, I thought it was important for our club.”"
Boston had won the last 7 games of the series and 8 of 9 this season against the Yankees with New York’s last victory coming on April 9th. But the Yanks were able to carry over their recent success and break the streak, forgetting about their recent struggles against the Sox.
"“We don’t care what we’ve done before this,” Derek Jeter said. “It has no bearing. The percentages probably weren’t on our side to win a game, right? We can’t worry about how we played against them earlier in the season. We feel as though we’re playing well, we’re pitching well.”"
The teams are back in action this afternoon when the Yankees send ace C.C. Sabathia to the hill to take on John Lackey. Two more series remain for the rivals after this weekend in what figures to be a heated race for the AL East crown.
For more on the Red Sox and Yankees, be sure to check out BoSox Injection and Yanks Go Yard.