Yanks Go Yard Recap: New York Yankees Escape With Victory Over Angels

Welcome to a world without the GOAT in Mariano Rivera. Tonight was a rest night for Mariano Rivera after blowing three straight save attempts and the Yankee bullpen almost blew a fourth in a row. David Robertson‘s nickname is Houdini for a reason and Houdini escaped in the ninth with a W for the Yankees, beating the Angels 2-1.

Aug 12, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson (30) reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. Yankees won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Hiroki Kuroda was his usual dominant self. He’s been the ace of the staff, and the Yankees have to win every single time he pitches from here on out. The problem was the offense and Garrett Richards for the Angels pitched a heck of a game in his own right.

The Yankees broke through in the third. With one out, Eduardo Nunez singled. Two batters later, Brett Gardner drove him in with a single.  The score stayed that way until the seventh when Curtis Granderson hit his third homer of the year.

Kuroda went eight shutout innings, and Joe Girardi turned the game over to Boone Logan. Logan got one out but gave up a hit to J.B. Shuck. David Robertson came in and walked Mike Trout. Josh Hamilton followed with a double to make it 2-1. Erick Aybar was intentionally walked to load the bases. Robertson struck out Mark Trumbo and then made ex-Yankee Chris Nelson chase one on a full count to end the game.

YGY Player Of The Game: Kuroda

Game two will be a battle of lefties. CC Sabathia will take on Jason Vargas, who will be making his first start since June. First pitch at 7:05.

Notes: Ichiro Suzuki is just six hits from 4,000.