New Bats Shine in Slugfest
Yankee Stadium played host to one of most exciting games of the year last night - a see saw battle that eventually ended up landing in favor of the home team as the Yankees took 2-of-3 from the MLB’s best team. The stars for both team were players that acquired on or around last week’s trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim came into the game with a league-leading 68-40 record and on a serious momentum swing after dispatching the Red Sox in three straight games. The Angels have had their way with the Yankees in recent years, particularly in the playoffs and they may have been out to send a message that things are about to change.
After pulling out to a 5-0 lead into the 6th inning, the Angels saw their lead slip just a bit in the 5th with newly acquired Ivan Rodriguez’s solo homer. Then in the bottom of the 6th, they put together a 3-run inning, including a home run by another new acquisition, Xavier Nady, to pull the game to 5-4.
The Yankees then added four more in the 7th to take the lead 8-5 only to see the Halos own new addition, Mark Teixeira pound a grand slam to take the lead back.
It seemed karma had intended the Yankees to win, as they pounded out six more runs in the bottom of the 8th to win with authority in a terrific contest.
The Red Sox swept Oakland as well this weekend, so the Yankees were unable to gain any ground on them as both team still trail Tampa Bay. There are many more exciting Yankees games to come, so get out to the ballpark.
