Game 78: Yankees Yank Red Sox and Their Beards

Jun 27, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Vidal Nuno (57) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

In a dominating performance by the entire New York pitching staff, the Yankees snatch another game from the arch-rival Boston Red Sox, 6-0.

From the very beginning,  the Yankees were in control. Derek Jeter scored on a Mark Teixeira sacrifice fly in the first inning, while Vidal Nuno (yes! Nuno) pitching terrifically in 5.2 innings. He surrendered only two hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

The Yankee bats were as alive as Peter Frampton tonight. In the fourth inning, Kelly Johnson hit a two run shot into the seats to drive in Brian McCann, and Brett Gardner followed suit soon after with a solo home run. Both homers were surrendered by Red Sox starter Brandon Workman. Other than the fourth inning, Workman was pretty solid, finishing seven innings with four earned runs allowed. He threw 108 pitches and retired his last ten batters.

On the flip side, Dellin Betances succeeded Nuno and pitched amazingly as usual: 1.1 innings, 2 strikeouts. Adam Warren pitched the eighth inning, retiring the side in order, including a nasty moving fastball to finish off David Ortiz (0 for 3). Matt Thornton pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.

McCann also hit a beautiful two run homer in the eighth inning off of reliever Craig Breslow. The big fly was McCann’s ninth of the 2014 campaign.