Yankees Recap 6/1: Hughes Wins In Return To Bronx as Twins Rally In Ninth

Jun 1, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks (32) scores a run ahead of a tag by New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) during the third inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

We all knew that when last season ended that Phil Hughes wasn’t coming back. When he went to Minnesota, I thought it would be a good fit for him with their ballpark and so far so good for him.  Hughes represented himself well going eight innings, giving up two runs as the Twins used a ninth inning rally to win 7-2.

Chase Whitley continued to pitch well in short bursts though, going five innings and giving up one lone run in the third. Aaron Hicks singled, went to second on a groundout and scored on Trevor Plouffe‘s single.

The Yanks rallied to take the lead in the fourth. Brett Gardner led off with a triple. Derek Jeter drove him home with a single to tie the game.  Jacoby Ellsbury singled and Brian McCann walked to load the bases. After a popout, Ichiro Suzuki lifted a sac fly to center to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead.

Dellin Betances and Adam Warren continued to dominate out of the bullpen, going three innings, giving up one hit and striking out six.

David Robertson on the other hand, didn’t exactly have it today.  Josh Willingham tied the game on Robertson’s first pitch with his third homer of the year. Robertson went on to strike out two of the next four hitters, but the two he didn’t get walked. Brian Dozier then doubled to give the Twins the lead. After intentionally walking Joe Mauer, Matt Daley came in to face former Yankee Eduardo Nunez. Nuni doubled home two to make it 5-2. Matt Thorton came in and didn’t help as Oswaldo Arcia made it 7-2 with a single.

The Yankees went down 1-2-3 in the ninth.

The Yankees take on the Mariners in a makeup game from a earlier rainout. It won’t get any easier. Felix Hernandez takes the hill against David Phelps at 7:05.