Game 152 Recap-
Rookie CF Brett Gardner made 2 big defensive plays and drove in a run, helping the New York Yankees defeat the Baltimore Orioles,3-2 Friday Night at Yankee Stadium. 2b Robinson Cano homered for the winners and LH Carl Pavano(4-1,4.99) earned the victory with 5 solid innings. Orioles RH Radhames Liz(6-6, 6.69) pitched 6 1/3 strong innings and was the hard luck loser.The loss was the 23rd in 30 for Baltimore.
Gardner robbed Luke Scott of extra bases with a grab against the wall in center during the 4th inning, It appeared to be a possible home run. The rookie also threw out Nick Markakis at home in the 2nd to save another run. He topped his night with a rbi double in the 3rd .
The Orioles had some early success with runs in the 1st(Aubrey Huff rbi single) and 2nd(Lou Montanez sac fly) inning. However, Pavano settled down with 6 hits allowed, 2 runs allowed with 2 Ks and a walk. However, the Yankees bullpen was outstanding as 5 relievers combined to allow 2 hits over 4 innings while K-ing 7.
Liz pitched very well and was done in by a wild pitch in the 5th to break a 2-2 tie. His final stat line: 6 1/3 innings, 8 hits and 3 runs with 1 K and 3 walks. “I felt like I made some good pitches in tough situations,” Liz said through a translator. However, the youngster was done in by the Yankees pitching and defense. Captain Derek Jeter erased a Orioles 9th inning rally with a strong throw for the the outfield on a ground out. “It really came down to pitching and defense,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “Gardner had a great game in center field and Derek made a great play there in the ninth.”
Star of the Game-
Gardner- Starting CF in 2009?
Orioles Notes-
RH Daniel Cabrera officially had his season end as the club DL-ed him with elbow pain…3b Melvin Mora was back in the lineup after battling a reoccuring hamstring problem…Juan Castro was at SS and had a double in 3 ABs
Next Game-
1:05,Saturday, series continues at the Stadium vs the Yankees
Orioles LH Brian Burres(7-9,6.07) vs Yankees RH Alfredo Aceves(1-0,1.50)
