One Hit Wonders

Friday, June 30, 2006
Home Game 41
Yankees 2 Mets 0
Subway Race Winner: D train
Cap Game: #2



What the hell was up with that rain? It wasn't supposed to do that until Sunday. It sucks that the weather cut Moose's outing short. The only Met to get on base against him got there via a Cairo error (who, by the way, promptly made up for it in the second and third innings by making 2 nice stabs that could've gone for hits). We were all ready for another no-hit attempt by Moose.

But then the rain came. There were so many freaking people there that we couldn't even get down the ramp for some shelter. An hour later, the game is ready to start again and we see Villone warming up in the bullpen. Later I found out that Moose tweaked his groin, so it was definitely the right decision. It was 1-0 at this point, thanks to a Giambi solo shot. When the delay started, Bernie was on first and Andy Phillips was up with 2 outs and I believe a 1-2 count. When play resumed, Bernie stole second and Andy drove him in with a single to make it 2-0. And that's how the score remained. Villone pitched 2 innings and allowed 2 base runners. A walk to Valentin in the 5th, which was erased by a strike 'em out/throw 'em out double play. And he gave up the first an only hit of the game, a bloop single to left by Chavez in the 6th. That too was erased when Villone picked him off first.

From then on the bullpen was perfect. Proctor relieved Villone in the 7th. There was a bit of a scare. With 2 outs, all of a sudden Jorge runs to the mound. Then Joe and a trainer come out. Justin, who watched the game with me, said "This is why we can't have nice things." I feared that Torre finally broke him. On the post-game I heard that he felt a twinge in his lower back but it was fine. He actually yelled at Joe that he was going to get the final out. And, he did, striking out Wright (who had 3Ks on the night). Farnsworth and Mo closed the game out, which took 2 and a half hours to complete, minus the rain delay.

On the other mound, El Duque had a pretty good outing. He actually came back after the delay and pitched through the 7th. But then again, he did come here from Cuba on a raft so his resilience shouldn't be a surprise. It was great to see him pitch again at the Stadium. I mean, I'm glad he lost, but I love watching him pitch nonetheless.

Random Notes
– Dave Winfield (next to Rickey, one of my favorite Yankees growing up) threw out the first pitch. I couldn't believe it. I thought there was still bad blood there. But I guess things have changed. According to Peter Abraham, the Boss was at the Stadium last night, so maybe things have cooled between the two guys. Maybe one of these days they can get him to come back for Old Timer's Day.

– The lack of Yankee offense as of late isn't bothering me too much, as long as they keep pitching like they have been. When the offense is slumping, they need the pitching to step up. And they have been. It's when both things aren't going so well that you have to worry.

– There were a lot more Mets fans there than I remember in the past. Or maybe it just seems that was because they are more vocal.

– On a non-Yankee note, it's official. Rangers broadcaster John Davidson will be going the St. Louis Blue as their president. I'm really going to miss him. Not only for his work with the Rangers, but also the national broadcasts he does (including playoffs) with Mike Emrick.

I'm off to game 2 in a little while. With Trachsel on the mound this could be a very long day.

In attendance record: 14-12