Yanks Go Yard Recap: Hafner and Kuroda Lead Way To Victory For New York Yankees

Much wasn’t expected out of Travis Hafner coming into 2013. Why would there be? He had played in more than 100 games only once since 2008. He still may get injured, however, he’s certainly done the job for the Yankees with all of their injuries. Hafner added three more RBI to his totals as the Yankees beat the Astros 7-4.

Apr 30, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Travis Hafner (33) singles to center allowing a runner to score during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees got the scoring going in the first. Brett Gardner led off with a walk and stole second. Ichiro Suzuki got an infield hit. After a groundout, Hafner got RBI number one on the night with a single. Hafner got RBI number two in the third after Ichiro singled and stole second.

The Yanks added to the lead in the fifth. Ichiro and Robinson Cano singled and Hafner was intentionally walked to load the bases. Brennan Boesch beat out a potential double play which allowed Ichiro to score. Jayson Nix then singled to bring home Cano to make it 4-0.

Hiroki Kuroda pitched another seven shutout innings tonight. He struggled early with his pitch count, but found his groove later on. David Robertson came in in the eighth and the Astros made things interesting. Carlos Pena beat the infield shift with a single and Chris Carter followed with his sixth homer of the year to make it 4-2.

The Yankees responded like they have many times this year. Lyle Overbay hit his fourth homer of the year. Eduardo Nunez followed with a hustle double, and Chris Stewart brought him home with a single. After a strikeout, Ichiro singled. Two batters later, Hafner drove in Stewart with a bloop to left.

The Astros made it closer in the ninth. Jose Altuve brought home two with a double, but Mariano Rivera came in to strike out Jason Castro to end the game.

YGY Player of the Game: Hafner

Notes: Kevin Youkilis was placed on the DL retroactive to April 28. Corban Joseph was recalled. Curtis Granderson could be playing in extended spring training games this weekend.