Yanks Go Yard Recap: Nova Leads Way As New York Yankees Stay Alive

For all the struggles that Ivan Nova had throughout the early part of the year, going back to the minors certainly helped him. Nova will certainly be a part of the 2014 rotation, and his next to last start of the regular season was huge. Nova pitched a complete game shutout as the New York Yankees keep hope for the playoffs alive by winning 6-0.

Sep 21, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Ivan Nova (47) pitches during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees got on the board in the third against Ryan Vogelsong. Mark Reynolds and Brendan Ryan singled, and Chris Stewart walked to load the bases. Ichiro Suzuki followed with a sac fly that moved all the runners along. Alex Rodriguez followed with an RBI groundout that moved Stewart to third. He would score on Robinson Cano‘s single.

In the fourth, Curtis Granderson singled and Eduardo Nunez hit his second homer of the year to make it 5-0. Guillermo Moscoso relieved Vogelsong in the sixth and was greeted by Alfonso Soriano‘s 34th homer of the season to make it 6-0.

YGY Player Of The Game: Nova

Andy Pettitte will make his last regular season home start of his career against Yusmeiro Petit at 1:05. It’s also Mariano Rivera day at the stadium with ceremonies at 12:30.

Notes: Soriano became the fifth player in history to drive in 50 or more runs with two different teams in one season. With the win today, the Yankees clinched their 21st straight winning season.