July 27, 2008
Bullpen Falters Again, Yanks Sweep Sox
New York 4, Boston 3
Even though their 3.91 ERA ranks best in the American League, the Red Sox bullpen has not looked strong as of late, especially with closer Jonathan Papelbon on the disabled list.
The Yankees capitalized once again against the struggling pitching staff and, with the victory, pulled within 2.5 games of the Red Sox in the AL East. Not since June 18th (Sox +3.5), have the Yankees been anywhere near this close in the division.
Trailing 2-0 after two, the Red Sox took the lead after Coco Crisp hit a solo home run in the third and J.D. Drew added a two-run shot in the fourth.
Tim Wakefield made the one run lead hold up over seven strong innings, holding the Yankees to just the two runs on five hits while walking three and striking out four. Mike Mussina matched Wakefield for much of the game, allowing three runs on four hits over seven and two-thirds, but it was the bullpens that made the difference.
Lee Gronkiewicz and Hideki Okajima combined to allow two runs in the ninth to sink the Sox. With one outs, Bobby Abreu and Melky Cabrera singled off Gronkiewicz. After a ground out by pinch hitter Eric Duncan advanced the runners to second and third, Johny Damon singled off Okajima to clear the bases and put the Yankees ahead by one.
In the bottom half of the inning, Manny Ramirez single to lead off the inning, but Kyle Farnsworth induced a double play from Kevin Youkilis before J.D. Drew struck out to end the game.
W: Hawkins (1-2) L: Okajima (2-2) SV: Farnsworth (2)
Player of the Game: J.D. Drew (3-4, 2B, HR (11), R, 2 RBIs)
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