The Yankees beat the Rays 8-7 in a high scoring game. There were a lot of positives for Yankee fans to take away from this one. Ian Kennedy threw 94 pitches in 6 innings of work, giving up 8 hits and 3 runs. Kennedy came back out to pitch the seventh inning but was hit by a line drive in the hip and came out of the game.
It was reassuring watching Kennedy pitch well. He challenged hitters right from the beginning and threw plenty of strikes. He struck out 4 and walked 2. This is the Ian Kennedy the Bombers hope to see more of this season.
Andy Sonnanstine gave up 7 runs in 3.1 innings for the Rays.
The bullpen showed that it was human today as Billy Traber had some trouble and both he and Brian Bruney gave up two runs. Interestingly enough, Bruney gets credit for a blown save and the win. Rivera got the final four batters out.
The Yankees had some nice offensive performances tonight. A-Rod went 4 for 5 and hit his 521st career home run, tying Ted Williams and Willie McCovey for 15th on the all-time list. A very impressive game for Alex as he edges ever closer to the all time home run record.
Morgan Ensberg filled in for Giambi and went 2 for 5, scoring his first home run. Robinson Cano was called on to pinch hit for Gonalez and came through in the clutch with a home run.
Chad Moeller made his 2008 big league catching debut and went 1 for 4. Most importantly he threw out BJ Upton trying to steal 3rd.
Bruney and Traber had a little trouble, but it's hard to fault them too much given the earlier success they've had. Yankee fans have to be pleased that the offense came alive and that Kennedy delivered a quality start.
Happy Birthday to Kyle Farnsworth who turned 32 today.
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