Pavano Out Pitches Burnett

They were teammates on the 2003 Florida Marlins team that bested the Yankees for the World Series title and then left for big free agent money. Tonight, Carl Pavano and A.J. Burnett faced off as the Yankees met the Blue Jays at the Stadium. And it was Pavano who came out on top, with help from the bullpen, in a 2-1 Yankees win.

The victory improved Pavano's record to 2-0 as he won his first home game since April 26, 2005. He threw five scoreless frames before running into trouble in the sixth, but after the Jays scored a run, he struck out Alex Rios with the tying run on first base.

Burnett entered the game with 16 wins, tied for second best in the AL with his teammate Roy Halladay, and the Yankees' Mike Mussina. He already dominated the Yankee twice in the last two months, including a sizzling 13 strikeout performance on August 19. It looked like more of the same after Burnett limited the Yankees to one hit over the first three innings.

But Johnny Damon started the fourth with his second single of the game, and after stealing second base, scored on Bobby Abreu's double to the gap in left-center field. Alex Rodriguez reached on an infield single as Abreu just beat shortstop Marco Scutaro's throw to third base. Jason Giambi then picked up a sacrifice fly and an RBI when his foul pop was caught by rookie Travis Snider in left field. Making his major league debut, the twenty year old reached over the wall in foul territory, leaving him no chance to throw out Abreu at home plate.

Pavano allowed just two base runners through the first five innings, but Snider doubled, for his first major league hit, with one out in the sixth. Joe Inglett lined out to Xavier Nady in left for the second out, but Scutaro singled to center to cut the lead in half. With steady raining falling and Brian Bruney warming in the pen, Pavano got Rios to wave at a strike three breaking ball, pitch number 72, to complete his night.

Joe Girardi mixed and match the rest of the night, using Bruney and Damaso Marte in the seventh inning, before turning things over to Jose Veras in the eighth. But for the second consecutive appearance, Veras struggled, allowing a lead off ground rule double to Rod Barajas and then a walk to Scott Rolen. Girardi sent for Edwar Ramirez, who struck out Snider, and then turned things over to Mariano Rivera for a five out save.

Rivera retired Inglett on a force out and struck out Scutaro to end the eighth. Vernon Wells singled with one out in the ninth, but Mo struck out Adam Lind and retired Lyle Overbay on a game ending force out for his 32nd save in 33 attempts.


News and Notes

Mariano Rivera's save was the 475th of his career. It puts him three behind Lee Smith for second place on the all-time list.

A.J. Burnett tossed his first complete game of the season and did it in front of a team that will definitely be after his services next season.

The family of the late Pete Sheehy, who ran the clubhouse from Ruth to Mattingly, pulled the lever, lowering the number of home games left to 12.

August 29, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Toronto	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0		1	5	0
NY Yankees	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	X		2	7	0

Toronto	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Inglett, 2B	4	0	1	0	0	0	3	.299
Scutaro, SS	3	0	1	1	0	1	2	.265
Rios, RF	4	0	0	0	0	2	2	.289
Wells, V, CF	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	.293
Lind, DH	3	0	0	0	1	2	1	.292
Overbay, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	0	2	.272
Barajas, C	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.260
1-Eckstein, PR	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.274
Zaun, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.225
Rolen, 3B	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	.250
Snider, LF	3	1	1	0	0	1	2	.333
Totals	30	1	5	1	2	6	13
1-Ran for Barajas in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Snider (1, Pavano), Barajas (21, Veras). TB: Inglett; Scutaro; Wells, V; Barajas 2; Snider 2. RBI: Scutaro (50). 2-out RBI: Scutaro. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Wells, V; Scutaro. S: Scutaro. GIDP: Overbay. Team LOB: 5. FIELDING DP: 2 (Scutaro-Inglett-Overbay 2).

Toronto	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Burnett (L, 16-10)	8.0	7	2	2	1	8	0	4.48

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, CF	3	1	2	0	1	0	0	.313
Jeter, SS	4	0	0	0	0	2	4	.295
Abreu, RF	4	1	2	1	0	1	0	.298
Rodriguez, A, 3B	3	0	1	0	0	0	1	.307
Giambi, 1B	2	0	0	1	0	2	0	.250
Ransom, 1B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.750
Nady, LF	3	0	0	0	0	2	1	.324
Matsui, DH	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.304
Cano, 2B	3	0	2	0	0	0	0	.269
Rodriguez, I, C	3	0	0	0	0	1	2	.277
Totals	28	2	7	2	1	8	8
BATTING 2B: Abreu (35, Burnett), Cano (27, Burnett). TB: Damon 2; Abreu 3; Rodriguez, A; Cano 3. RBI: Abreu (83), Giambi (82). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Nady; Jeter. SF: Giambi. GIDP: Jeter; Rodriguez, A. Team LOB: 4. BASERUNNING SB: Damon (24, 2nd base off Burnett/Barajas). FIELDING DP: (Jeter-Cano-Giambi).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Pavano (W, 2-0)	6.0	3	1	1	1	1	0	3.27
Bruney (H, 6)	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.31
Marte (H, 22)	0.2	0	0	0	0	1	0	4.19
Veras	0.0	1	0	0	1	0	0	3.64
Ramirez (H, 5)	0.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	3.47
Rivera (S, 32)	1.2	1	0	0	0	3	0	1.46

Veras pitched to 2 batters in the 8th.

Pitches-strikes: Burnett 108-67, Pavano 72-42,
Bruney 4-2, Marte 5-4, Veras 10-5, Ramirez 5-3, Rivera 17-13.
Groundouts-flyouts: Burnett 13-3, Pavano 4-13,
Bruney 0-1, Marte 0-1, Veras 0-0, Ramirez 0-0, Rivera 2-0.
Batters faced: Burnett 30, Pavano 21, Bruney 1,
Marte 2, Veras 2, Ramirez 1, Rivera 6.
Inherited runners-scored: Ramirez 2-0, Rivera 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Jim Joyce. 1B: Jeff Nelson.
2B: Adrian Johnson. 3B: Tim Tschida.
Weather: 73 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 9 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:36.
Att: 53,088.

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The Pennant Chase - 8/27

If the Mets miss the playoffs by one game, they can look at last night's failure with the Phillies as the difference. The Mets built up a 7-0 lead behind four RBI from Fernando Tatis, but Pedro Martinez and the shaky Mets pen couldn't hold it, and the Phillies prevailed, 8-7, in 13 innings. The win moved the Phils into first place in the NL East by a half-game.

The Red Sox win moved them to within 3.5 of the Rays in the AL East. Tampa had the unfortunate task of going up against the Blue Jays' Roy Halladay last night. The Jays ace won his 16th as red hot Vernon Wells drove in three runs to lead the Blue Jays to a 6-2 win.

The White Sox are now two full games in front of the Twins in the AL Central. Orlando Cabrera had a big night (4-5, 2 RBI, 2 runs), and Nick Swisher hit seventh home run of the month as Chicago downed the Orioles 8-3. Gavin Floyd picked up his 14th win and Carlos Quentin added his 100th RBI.

The Twins meanwhile lost a nail biter to the Mariners, 3-2. Jose Lopez's RBI single snapped a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning, and Ryan Rowland-Smith out dueled Scott Baker.

The Cubs and Brewers broke out the offense in big wins yesterday. Chicago maintained their five game lead in the NL Central with a 14-9 over the Pirates. The Cubbies put seven runs across home plate in the eighth inning to end the see-saw battle. Rookie catcher Geovany Soto hit his 20th home run and drove in a career high seven runs.

The Brewers couldn't gain any ground on the Cubs, but they did increase their wildcard lead to 4.5 games over the Mets and Cardinals, by pounding St. Louis, 12-0. Ben Sheets picked up his 12th win and Ryan Braun hit his 33rd home run of the season. He now has 67 home runs and 189 RBI in 234 big league games.

There was no movement in the NL West as Brandon Webb failed in his attempt to become the first pitcher to win 20 games this year. The Padres shelled him in a 9-2 win. Meantime, the Dodgers were done in 2-1 by the Washington Nationals, despite a complete game by Derek Lowe.

Other News

Cliff Lee tied Brandon Webb for the major league lead in wins with his 19th as the Tribe won their ninth straight, 10-4 over the Tigers.

Were those really a bunch of complete games we saw last night? In addition to Lowe, John Lackey (11-2, 2.95) threw one in the Angels 5-1 win over the A's, Bronson Arroyo went the distance in the Reds 2-1 win over the Astros, and Texas' Kevin Millwood threw his second straight CG in beating the Royals, 2-1.

Boston had to place J.D. Drew on the DL with a herniated disk in his back, but acquired outfielder Mark Kotsay from the Braves for minor league outfielder Luis Sumoza.

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Yankees vs. Blue Jays - 8/19

The Yankees already had their work cut out for them before they arrived in Toronto. Now they have to face Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett as part of a three game series. Things get underway tonight at the Rogers Centre with Darrell Rasner squaring off against Burnett.

Rasner, for the moment, is back in the rotation due to the rotator cuff tendinitis that befell Dan Giese. Rasner pitched well in his last start, but like most of his pitching teammates, he lost, 4-2, due to a lack of run support.

Burnett has put together a 15-9 mark, despite a 4.67 ERA. However, he has excelled against the Yankees in his career, going 5-2, 2.85 in eight starts. He defeated the Yankees, 4-1 on, July 13, and struck out eight in 8.1 innings pitched.

Andy Pettitte faces rookie David Purcey on Wednesday, and the series concludes on Thursday with Sidney Ponson going against Halladay.

The Blue Jays have won 9 of 13, including 5 of their last 6 contests. They swept the Red Sox over the weekend, winning two games with a third rained out. They trail the third place Yankees by just two games.

The Blue Jays have gotten good pitching all season, but have begun to hit better as well. Vernon Wells missed a month, but recently returned and has driven in nine runs in his last seven games. Alex Rios leads the team in just about every offensive category - average, RBI, runs scored, and stolen bases. The Jays don't hit home runs, Matt Stairs leads the team with just 11.

Second year player Adam Lind is beginning to show the promise expected of him. After hitting just .238-11-46 in 290 at-bats last season, Lind is at .308-8-34 in 186 at-bats. He's also struck out only 28 times.

Strange things happen in Toronto, maybe it's the 7:07 start time. Derek Jeter suffered that devastating shoulder injury back in 2003, and last year there was the infamous Alex Rodriguez "HA" incident. And of course there was the Dave Winfield seagull brouhaha back at old Exhibition Stadium in 1983.

UPDATE 3:33 PM

As expected, Justin Christian was optioned to Scranton to make room for Hideki Matsui's return. Chad Jennings also reports that Jason Lane has been released and will most likely sign a minor league deal with the Red Sox.

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Around the Horn - 7/11

The Diamondbacks are looking into the possibility of bringing back their former 1st baseman Tony Clark. The Arizona Republic reported that the Dbacks are one of several teams to have contacted the Padres about the 6'7" 1st baseman. We recommend they get a 3rd baseman too. Mark Reynold's lack of defense is killing them.

Dbacks GM Josh Byrnes and company have decided not to pursue Barry Bonds, and according to the East Valley Tribune, have denied having any interest in Milton Bradley, as had been reported on a radio broadcast.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Hank Blalock is set to start a rehab assignment and may soon finally return to the Rangers lineup.

Fausto Carmona threw a 50-pitch simulated game and, according to the Akron Beacon Journal, hopes to begin a rehab assignment soon.

Pitcher Josh Johnson made his return to the Florida Marlins after Tommy John surgery. He allowed 3 runs in 5 innings.

The Associated Press reported that the Mariners have acquired 1st baseman Craig Wilson from the Pirates for a player to be named.

Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells is out 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

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Burnett, Jays Make Yankees Blue

Mike Mussina came within one out of the vaunted "quality start", but his outing tonight was anything but quality. His performance was no better than what we saw for most of last season- an inability to control pitches, pitches left up in the zone, and a Yankees loss. If not for 3 double plays and Johnny Damon's thievery of Alex Rios' potential home run ball in the 6th inning the score could have been much worse.

On the flip side, A.J. Burnett was dealing. The oft-injured right-hander blanked the Yankees on 4 hits thru 6 innings before Alex Rodriguez slugged a 2-run shot off of him in the 7th. It was A-Rod's first home run of the season and number 519 for his career. But it wasn't enough as the Blue Jays toppled the Yankees 5-2.

Things started off badly for the Yankees right off the first at-bat. Jason Giambi mishandled lead off hitter David Eckstein's grounder for an error and Shannon Stewart and Rios followed with consecutive singles for the first run of the game.

Vernon Wells' 2-run homer in the 3rd inning gave Burnett enough of cushion for the night. The Blue Jays defense made sure Burnett's effort would stand up as well. Bobby Abreu was thrown out stealing in the first inning and after Derek Jeter reached on Burnett's fielding error in the 4th, he was gunned down at second when Rios retrieved Burnett's errant throw (preventing a double error on the play).

The Yankees had one more chance against closer Jeremy Accardo in the 9th when Jeter and Abreu opened the inning with singles. But Accardo blew a strike three fastball past A-Rod, retired Giambi on a deep fly to left center and got Robinson Cano to hit a game ending pop up.

News and Notes

Jorge Posada was in the original Yankees lineup, but was scratched after coming up with a sore right shoulder. Jose Molina went 1-3 and threw out two would-be base stealers.

Two season ticket holders were arrested during opening night when they try to steal some of the bunting and damaged the facade. In addition to possibly going to jail, they've had their season tickets revoked.

Morgan Ensberg got heat when he wore number 21 during spring training, but LaTroy Hawkins scooped it up anyway when Ensberg went with number 11 for the regular season. Yankees fans ridiculously booed Hawkins during Tuesday night's player introductions. Things didn't get any better tonight when Hawkins allowed a run in 1.1 innings.

Toronto	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Eckstein, SS	5	1	0	0	0	0	3	.000
Stewart, LF	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	.250
Coats, LF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Rios, RF	3	1	2	2	1	0	0	.600
Wells, V, CF	4	2	3	2	0	0	2	.375
Thomas, DH	3	0	0	0	0	0	2	.143
Overbay, 1B	3	0	1	0	1	1	2	.286
Hill, 2B	4	0	2	1	0	1	1	.375
Scutaro, 3B	3	0	1	0	0	1	4	.167
Barajas, C	4	1	2	0	0	1	3	.500
Totals	33	5	12	5	2	4	18
BATTING 2B: Barajas (1, Hawkins). 3B: Overbay (1, Farnsworth). HR: Wells, V (1, 3rd inning off Mussina, 1 on, 2 out). TB: Stewart; Rios 2; Wells, V 6; Overbay 3; Hill 2; Scutaro; Barajas 3. RBI: Rios 2 (2), Wells, V 2 (2), Hill (1). 2-out RBI: Wells, V 2; Hill; Rios. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Thomas; Scutaro; Hill. GIDP: Wells, V; Barajas; Eckstein 2; Thomas. Team LOB: 5. BASERUNNING CS: Scutaro (1, 2nd base by Mussina/Molina), Rios (1, 2nd base by Hawkins/Molina). FIELDING E: Burnett (1, throw). Outfield assists: Rios (Jeter at 2nd base). DP: (Scutaro-Hill-Overbay).

Toronto	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Burnett (W, 1-0)	6.0	5	2	2	1	3	1	3.00
Tallet (H, 1)	2.0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0.00
Accardo (S, 1)	1.0	2	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	2	.125
Jeter, SS	4	0	2	0	0	0	1	.375
Abreu, RF	3	1	1	0	1	0	1	.429
Rodriguez, 3B	4	1	1	2	0	2	2	.429
Giambi, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	1	2	.000
Cano, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	2	2	.143
Matsui, DH	3	0	1	0	0	1	0	.167
Molina, C	3	0	1	0	0	0	1	.333
Cabrera, CF	3	0	1	0	0	0	1	.333
Totals	32	2	7	2	1	7	12
BATTING HR: Rodriguez (1, 7th inning off Burnett, 1 on, 0 out). TB: Jeter 2; Abreu; Rodriguez 4; Matsui; Molina; Cabrera. RBI: Rodriguez 2 (3). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cano. GIDP: Jeter. Team LOB: 4. BASERUNNING CS: Abreu (1, 2nd base by Burnett/Barajas). FIELDING E: Giambi (1, fielding). DP: 5 (Rodriguez-Cano-Giambi 4, Jeter-Giambi).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Mussina (L, 0-1)	5.2	8	4	3	2	2	1	4.76
Hawkins	1.1	2	1	1	0	0	0	6.75
Farnsworth	1.0	2	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Ohlendorf	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

Burnett pitched to 2 batters in the 7th.

HBP: Thomas (by Mussina), Scutaro (by Ohlendorf).
Pitches-strikes: Burnett 93-55, Tallet 22-16, Accardo 17-12, Mussina 91-62, Hawkins 16-14, Farnsworth 16-8, Ohlendorf 9-6.
Ground outs-fly outs: Burnett 9-4, Tallet 2-1, Accardo 0-2, Mussina 11-3, Hawkins 2-1, Farnsworth 2-0, Ohlendorf 2-0.
Batters faced: Burnett 22, Tallet 6, Accardo 5, Mussina 25, Hawkins 5, Farnsworth 4, Ohlendorf 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Hawkins 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Jerry Meals. 1B: Bill Miller. 2B: Paul Emmel. 3B: Gary Darling.
Weather: 44 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 22 mph, Out to RF.
T: 3:10.
Att: 48,544.

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Yankees Capture 3rd Straight

The Yankees got another round of good pitching performances this afternoon as they toppled the Toronto Blue Jays, 6-1 at G.M.S Field in Tampa. Chien-Ming Wang recovered from last week's debacle to go 3.2 innings as the Yankees won their 3rd straight game and improved to 6-4 overall. Five Yankees pitchers limited the Blue Jays to just 6 hits

Pitching coach Dave Eiland discovered a mistake in Wang's motion that was causing him to keep his pitches up in the zone. Today, the Wanger came out with his great sinker and reach the mid-nineties on his fastball.

The Yankees lineup gave Wang a boost immediately to start the game. Melky Cabrera led off with a single and Derek Jeter followed with a walk. Bobby Abreu, celebrating his 34th birthday, doubled to drive in both runners for a quick 2-0 lead. Alex Rodriguez followed with a blast to deep center, for his second home run of the spring and a 4-0 lead.

Wang left to a loud ovation after 3.2 innings, having allowed 2 hits and 2 walks. He also struck out 1 batter and induced 1 double play grounder.

After Edwar Ramirez finished the 4th, Joe Girardi turned things over to Kyle Farnsworth. The hard throwing right-hander allowed a hit and a walk, but escaped without giving up a run. Joe Girardi continued to back his boy in a mid-game interview with Michael Kay.

Darrell Rasner, battling for the long man job in the pen, allowed a run on 2 hits and a walk in 2 innings. Brian Bruney finished up the final 1.2 innings to complete a win.

Cabrera added an RBI double in the 4th and Jason Lane belted a long solo home run in the 6th. It was Lane's 2nd blast of the spring.

Johnny Damon went for X-Rays and MRI on his right foot today after fouling a ball of it last night. Both turned up negative. He'll sit out tomorrow's contest with the Rays in St. Petersburg and is listed as day-to-day.

March 11, 2008 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Toronto 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 1 NY Yankees 4 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 X 6 11 0

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Cabrera, CF	3	1	2	1	0	0	1	.389
Gardner, B, CF	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	.267
Jeter, SS	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	.222
Ransom, SS	1	0	1	0	1	0	0	.214
Abreu, RF	3	1	2	2	0	1	2	.526
Porter, RF	2	0	0	0	0	1	4	.364
Rodriguez, A, 3B	2	1	1	2	0	1	0	.500
a-Green, PH-3B	2	0	0	0	0	1	2	.091
Giambi, DH	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	.353
b-Posada, PH-DH	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.067
Cano, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	.409
Betemit, 2B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.211
Duncan, 1B	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	.421
Ensberg, 1B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.400
Lane, LF	3	2	2	1	0	0	0	.333
Woodward, LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.474
Molina, C	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	.235
Moeller, C	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.071
Totals	34	6	11	6	4	5	15
a-Struck out for Rodriguez, A in the 4th. b-Lined out for Giambi in the 5th.
BATTING 2B: Abreu (1, Chacin), Cabrera (3, Davis), Ransom (1, Purcey, D). HR: Rodriguez, A (2, 1st inning off Chacin, 1 on, 0 out), Lane (2, 6th inning off Purcey, D, 0 on, 0 out). TB: Cabrera 3; Ransom 2; Abreu 3; Rodriguez, A 4; Giambi; Lane 5; Molina 2. RBI: Abreu 2 (4), Rodriguez, A 2 (4), Cabrera (4), Lane (4). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Green 2; Porter 3. Team LOB: 9. FIELDING DP: (Rodriguez, A-Cano-Duncan).

	NY Yankees IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Wang (W, 2-1) 3.2 2 0 0 2 1 0 8.53 Ramirez 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 10.13 Farnsworth 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2.25 Rasner 2.1 2 1 1 1 2 0 10.13 Bruney 1.2 1 0 0 0 2 0 6.00
HBP: Ensberg (by Machi, J). Ground outs-fly outs: Wang 8-1, Ramirez 0-1, Farnsworth 0-3, Rasner 2-3, Bruney 0-3. Batters faced: Wang 13, Ramirez 1, Farnsworth 5, Rasner 10, Bruney 6. Inherited runners-scored: Bruney 1-0. Umpires: HP: Paul Emmel. 1B: Mark Carlson. 2B: Andy Fletcher. 3B: Dan Iassogna. Weather: 73 degrees, cloudy. Wind: 12 mph, Varies. T: 2:59. Att: 10,510.

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