A-Rod 5, A’s 1

Thanks to a grand slam and solo shot from Alex Rodriguez, and some timely pitching from CC, the Yanks crushed the A’s 6-1 on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.

The salami in the third inning was the 21st of A-Rod’s illustrious career (third this year), which ties him with Manny for second in MLB history and leaves him two behind Lou Gehrig (23) for most all-time. The solo shot in the sixth was the 597th dingy of his career.

Imagine if he jacks number 600 against the Mariners, don’t be surprised if you see riots in the streets of Seattle if that happens. If and when that happens, he is going to be the first infielder with 600 home runs in ML history. Wow. Purple Lips also passed Greg Nettles and is tied with Georgie (252) for seventh place on the franchise’s all-time list. It was his 55th career multi-homer game (most among active players). He also made a nice catch and turned it into a sweet 5-3 double play.

A-Rod:

"I like RBI because it helps the team win, that’s for sure. Today they were big for CC. CC and Georgie both threw a terrific game, they had great rhythm."

Fun fact: A-Rod’s slam was only the second (out of nine) this season not hit at The Stadium. The Year Of The Grand Slam continues.

Another big (pun intended) reason why the Yanks were able to dominate was CC, who fanned a season-high 10 batters en route to his seventh straight win. The big lefty (11-3) went 7 2/3 innings and gave up seven hits, one ER, and three walks; he hasn’t lost since a May 23 game against the Mets. Interesting side note: CC passed CHoP for 112th on the all-time strikeout list with his 1,685th K.

Yankee starters have a total ERA of 3.98 this season.

Grandy:

"I think it’s just a matter of coming in and not taking anything for granted, no matter where we are or who we’re playing against. If we fall behind don’t hang our heads, if we get ahead don’t assume it’s over. I think it’s a mixture of all that wrapped up in one reason why we’ve been able to win some series."

Tex, who has reached base safely in 27 straight games, was beaned in the back to load up the bases prior to A-Rod’s grand slam. Despite the beaning, he still made some stellar plays on defense.

Girardi:

"They’ve battled all year long, their pitching has done a great job — look at their ERA. Their batters put tough at-bats on you; they are a young team, but they’re dangerous."

Some sour news from Tuesday as Mo revealed he has been pitching hurt and will not partake in the All-Star game. He said he hurt his right knee whlie shagging balls in the outfield during the Dodgers series and has felt it ever since. Well, I’d still take Mo pitching hurt over damn near every other closer pitching healthy. If this is what he does while injured I’d hate/love to see him healthy.

"It hasn’t gotten better. I’ve been pitching and pitching and pitching; it’s hard to rest it and get healed by itself."

I think that Posada is the anti-Joba, as he can’t hit for shit on the road but is great at home. Also, Cano is now 3 for his last 27 and has a pedestrian batting average of .337.

The Yanks got AJ going tonight against Gio Gonzalez in the finale of this three-game set in hopes of securing the sweep.

LET’S GO YANKS!!!!!