Three months ago, people wondered if the Yankees would beat the Red Sox once this season. After last night’s pyrotechnic display, there’s little doubt that the this year’s Bombers are legit. Hideki Matsui brought most of the destruction with two massive bombs and seven RBI. The Japanese slugger was also about 2 feet short of another home run when Rocco Baldelli caught his long fly on the warning track in the second inning.
If nothing else, the Yankees have proven that the Sox lesser pitchers will have to be nearly perfect to shut down the New York bats. With Brad Penny and Michael Bowden serving up batting practice, Boston had no chance of winning. Mark Teixeira strengthened his MVP bid with three hits on the night including a homer and three RBI. He is right on the heels of the AL leaders with 31 home runs and 92 RBI — one jack behind Carlos Pena and two RBI short of Justin Morneau.
While the Red Sox are struggling with starting pitching and their shortstop situation, the Yankees have seemingly endless depth. This was underscored when Damaso Marte made his return for the Yankees and bailed out Brian Bruney by recording two outs to end the 7th. The Red Sox host the White Sox next and are only a game clear of Texas in the wild card race. The Yankees can put Boston on the ropes if they can continue their winning ways. This 20-spot was for you, Jim Rice!
Tags: al east, baseball, boston red sox, Hideki Matsui, mark teixeira, MLB, new york yankees
