Yanks Go Yard Recap: Sabathia Goes The Distance As New York Yankees Sweep The Tribe

Sometimes you need your ace to be your ace and save your bullpen. Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera have logged a lot of innings as of late and anytime those guys can get a little rest before a long road trip is a good thing. CC Sabathia did just that, completing the game as the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Indians 6-4 and swept the three game series.

May 24, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees got on the board right away in the bottom of the first. Robinson Cano reached on Michael Bourn‘s error. Two batters later, Travis Hafner hit his 10th homer of the year. The Yankees added to it in the second. Lyle Overbay led off with a single. Two batters later, Jayson Nix doubled. Chris Stewart followed with a single to bring home Overbay. Brett Gardner followed with his sixth homer of the year.

Sabathia wouldn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning. The Indians got on the board in the sixth. Three straight singles by Drew Stubbs, Bourn and Jason Kipnis brought home on run. Nick Swisher‘s groundout brought home a second. In the seventh, Michael Brantley singled and Yan Gomes followed with his sixth homer of the year to conclude the scoring.

YGY Player of The Game: Sabathia

The Yankees begin a west coast swing with four against the Mariners.  Phil Hughes will face Aaron Harang at 10:10 ET. Be prepared to stay up late for the next week and a half east coasters.

Notes: The Yankees released Clay Rapada. He had a 4.66 ERA in 9.2 innings in AAA. Ben Francisco was also released.