Burnett and Swisher help Yanks sweep O’s
A four-run first inning set the tone for the Yankees as they beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-4 and swept through their second straight series.
A.J. Burnett (9-4) pitched a solid 7 innings with 6 H, 2ER, 3 BB and 6 K as he was able to pitch out of trouble on several occasions and get his seventh straight quality start.
Nick Swisher led the charge for the Bombers by hitting a two-run single. He also continued his “unusual” glove work this season in right field this season by making two great leaping catches–one which saved a shaky inning started by his own miscue. In post-game interviews Burnett quoted the cinematic masterpiece “Dumb and Dumber” by saying that Swisher “totally redeemed himself” with that play. No word yet on if the two are getting fit for orange and sky blue tuxedos for the upcoming road trip.
Jorge Posada also contributed to the Yankees 57th win of the year by driving in two runs courtesy of double and a solo homerun. Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano looked good as well, having an RBI and two hits each.
After Phil Hughes pitched a scoreless 8th inning, Brian Bruney struck out a pair, and then decided to make it interesting by allowing back-to-back bombs to Adam Jones and Nick Markakis in the 9th. This of course brought out manager Joe Girardi to call in Mariano Rivera, who closed out the game with a called third strike. Rivera’s save was his fifth in the last six days and 28th of the season.
The win puts the Yankees 20 games over .500, and that number should rise with the upcoming four game series with the Oakland A’s and their anemic offense.
Thanks Tim!
