Game 154 Recap-
The New York Yankees won the last game ever at Yankee Stadium, 7-3 over the Baltimore Orioles Sunday night in the Bronx. Veteran lh Andy Pettitte(14-14,4.54) pitched 5 innings for the win while CF Johnny Damon hit a 3 run homer and C Jose Molina added a 2 run shot.
Rookie lh Chris Waters(3-4,5.06) battled for 5 2/3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 5 earned runs with 2 Ks and 4 walks. The two homers were big culprits, accounting for all 5 runs. The Yankees added rbis vs the Orioles pen with 1b Jason Giambi(single) and 2b Robinson Cano(sac fly) doing the damage.
The Orioles tried to put a damper on the festivities with an early 2-0 lead as LF Jay Payton and 3b Melvin Mora drove in runs in the 2nd and 3rd inning. After Damon’s homer made it 3-2 New York, 2b Brian Roberts singled in a run to tie the game in the 4th. Molina’s shot in the 4th proved to be the game winner and put the Yankees up 5-3.
The celebration of the stadium was incredible, as veterans ranging from Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra of the 50s and 60s, Mr October Reggie Jackson from the Bronx Zoo 70s clubs to 90s star CF Bernie Williams returned. Yankees captain Derek Jeter spoke to the crowd post game as well.” Take the memories from this stadium, add it to the new memories that come with the new Yankee Stadium and continue to pass them on from generation to generation,” Jeter said. “We just want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world.”
Something to think about-
Orioles young players got exposed to this circus atmosphere plus saw a historic event. Good experience for the kids. Their leader summed it up. “It was kind of like the seventh game of the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Mardi Gras. It was everything rolled into one,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said.
Star of the Game-
The Stadium- As a Red Sox and Mets fan, I hate this team. But give them their due, put on a good show. My favorite Stadium Moment… 2004 ALCS Game 7… no further explanation needed.
On 2nd thought… YANKEES LOSE!!! YANKEES LOSE!!!!! DAAAAAAA!!!!
Orioles Notes-
CF Adam Jones had 2 hits…Juan Castro started at SS… C Ramon Hernandez became Pettitte’s 200o strike out in the 2nd inning
Next Game-
Monday,7:05 start 4 game series vs the Tampa Rays
Orioles rh Brian Bass(3-4,5.15) vs. Rays lh David Price(3.00 in 6 ML innings)
