Yanks Go Yard Recap: Yankees Hold Off Chicago, Earn Sweep

For some reason, whenever CC Sabathia is on the mound this season, it can’t be considered an automatic win. His struggles have been highly publicized, and he needs to straighten himself out down the stretch as the Yankees make a run to the playoffs. Tonight against the Chicago White Sox, Sabathia looked like the pitcher we all know he is, as he helped the Yankees to a 6-5 win.

Sep 4, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (24) steps back to first as Chicago White Sox second baseman Jeff Keppinger (7) is late with the tag during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Yankees won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Scoring started right from the get-go in this game as after getting two outs in the top of the first inning, Avisail Garcia doubled home Gordon Beckham, and gave Chicago an early 1-0 lead. It would not last, however, as the Yankees would get that run right back in the bottom half of the inning when Robinson Cano hit his 26th home run on the first pitch he saw.

The score would remain 1-1 until the bottom of the fourth, when both Alex Rodriguez and Ichiro Suzuki reached base to lead off the inning. Lyle Overbay would score Rodriguez shortly thereafter with his 24th double of the season. With two on and one out, Brett Gardner would clear the bases with a two-run triple. Robbie Cano would later drive Gardner in on a ground ball to third that was deflected off of White Sox pitcher Erik Johnson. The Yankees had a 5-1 lead at this point.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Alfonso Soriano scored Derek Jeter on a sac fly, giving the Yankees a 6-1 lead.

Sabathia was dealing into the eighth inning, not allowing another run after the first inning, but was taken out for David Robertson with one out and two men on. Robertson would then give up RBIs to Avisail Garcia, Josh Phegly, and Marcus Semien, cutting the Yankees lead to 6-5. After allowing those three runs, Robertson was replaced with Mariano Rivera, who would attempt to get a four out save – which he did, giving the Yankees a much-needed victory and sweep.

YGY Player(s) of the Game: Sabathia, Cano

The Yankees will welcome in the Boston Red Sox starting tomorrow, it will be Ivan Nova going up against Jake Peavy at 7:05.

Notes: Joe Girardi is considering asking Mariano Rivera to re-think his retirement. Obviously, it’s very unlikely that Mo would change his mind, so don’t get too excited.