The Yankees crept closer to Boston in the standings by beating them at Fenway 10-3. New York has won the first two games of this pivotal series and remained undefeated since the All Star break. Andy Pettitte led the way by pitching six effective innings after a rocky start where he had problems finding the strike zone.
Robinson Cano continued his torrid hitting with three hits including a home-run off of knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. He also added a two run double in the eighth inning. Four Yankee pitchers combined for three scoreless innings to to finish the game.
The Yankees added to their roster by acquiring outfielder Xavier Nady and reliever Damaso Marte from the Pittsburgh Pirates for the New York’s top outfield prospect Jose Tabata and three minor league pitchers, Dan McCutchen, Jeff Karstens, and Ross Ohlendorf. Nady was in the starting line-up against Boston on Saturday and Marte faced one batter.
The move was necessitated by injuries to Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui, and it adds a right-handed presence to a lefty dominated line-up. To make room on the roster the Yankees optioned Brett Gardner to Scranton/Wilkes-Bare, and designated reliever LaTroy Hawkins for assignment.
New York pulled to within 2.5 games of first place with the win and will go for the sweep on Sunday. Sidney Ponson will take the ball for the Yankees, and Jon Lester will be on the mound for the Red Sox. Lester is 8-3 on the season with a 3.20 ERA, and Ponson is 6-1. The loss by Boston was only the third time this season they have lost two in a row at home.
Boston has reason to be worried because New York is peaking, and showing no signs of letting up. They are getting solid pitching and their bats have come alive. Bolstering their line-up and bullpen with this last trade didn’t hurt either. The race in the American League East is far from over.