Nova and Granderson Lead Yankees Over Padres 3-0

With another in a series of strong outings by Ivan Nova, and Curtis Granderson having a hand in all of the offensive production, the New York Yankees shutout the San Diego  Padres 3-0 at Petco Park Saturday night.

Granderson went two for four with a home run and two RBI. In the seventh inning,  after a single by Alfonso Soriano, Granderson smashed the two run shot to break the scoreless tie. In the ninth Jayson Nix singled to bring home Granderson with the final run.

Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Manager Joe Girardi was delighted to see Granderson finding his hitting groove and marveled at his determination to make it back.

“It’s always great for a hitter to do that, to get a little work in and then you see the dividends,” he said. “He was a part of all three runs tonight, I’ve talked about how Curtis can change the complexion of a game, really quickly, and that’s what he did tonight.”

As for Nova, he has regained the form that made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball not so long ago. With an arsenal highlighted by a devastating curve ball, he allowed only four hits in seven innings. He struck out eight in all, but equally impressive was that he only walked one batter. With command like that, you know that he is really back.

“I’ve been feeling really good,” he said. “Like I’ve said in the past, I don’t remember the last time I felt the way I feel now. I’m working hard to try and repeat it every time. I’m trying to go out there and do my job, try to help the team win games.”

David Robertson relieved Nova in the eighth. He allowed only one hit. Mariano Rivera struck out one in the ninth to earn his 35^th save of the season. Nova’s record went to 5-4, with his ERA decreasing to 3.08.