Practically Perfect in Every Way

Andy Pettitte was great … our first truly good starting pitching performance of the year … throwing six innings and surrendering only one run. 

 He was outpitched by John Lackey, who threw a scoreless six, but the Yankees emerged victorious in the battle of the bullpens.

Chan-Ho Park  redeemed his god-awful debut with three shutout innings in relief, holding the Sox offense at bay as the offense went to work in the late innings.

Curtis Granderson struck again, hitting the go-ahead homer in the top of the 10th off Jonathan Papelbon.  Papelbon proceeded to walk Brett Gardner, who promptly stole second despite the fact that the Sox closer threw to first no fewer than six times. Papelbon was charged with the loss, and “wunderkind” Daniel Bard was charged with the blown save, as he allowed Nick Swisher to single in the tying run in the seventh inning.  All of the above make me happy, especially the parts having to do with Papelbon.  I can’t stand Papelbon.

Save it for when you’re worth something, kiddo.

Speaking of saving it, Mariano Rivera again was golden, this time in the tenth, setting down the top of the Sox order 1-2-3 on thirteen pitches.

Final score 3-1, and, on the eve of my 19th birthday, I can think of no better early gift for someone who loves pitchers’ duels, Mariano Rivera, Curtis Granderson, and beating the Red Sox.  Happy Birthday to me.

Record: 2-1.

Next up: Javier Vazquez vs. David Price (Tampa Bay), Friday, April 9, at 7:10 PM.

Till next time,

Ana

Now Playing: Burn This Disco Out – Michael Jackson