New York Yankees 2012 regular season review – Part 24
New York Yankees secured a narrow 2-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of a three match series. With momentum on their side, the New Yorkers had an excellent chance to take a decisive 2-0 series lead against their American League East Division rivals
but that did not turn out to be the case as the Orioles bounced back strongly to take the series into the decider.
Orioles’ pitching rotation showed the stuff its capable of, limiting the Yankees to just one run in hitters’ friendly conditions at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY. Starting pitcher Brian Matusz pitched plus six plus sharp innings, allowing just one run one
six hits to lay the foundations of an impressive Yankees’ victory. With his strong performances, Matusz grabbed his first win of the season.
"It couldn't be more exciting," Matusz said. "Growing up I was a huge Diamondback fan, so Showalter was the manager there and I watched a lot of his games. It's an honor to be a part of that game and come away with a win."
Relief pitcher Darren O’Day, Luis Ayala combined to toss up two plus shutout innings to help Baltimore hold on to their six run lead. Yankees’ starter Phil Hughes struggled to use his fastballs and sliders, conceding four hits and four runs in just over
five innings to take his fourth loss of the season. Relief pitcher Bone Logan also had a forgettable time on the mound as he allowed three his and two run.
"I'm very appreciative of the players making me feel really young tonight even though I'm an old goat," Showalter said.
"Backdoor breaking ball. Steve Farr to Jody Reed -- front-door breaking ball," he said. "It was supposed to be back door and he popped it up, over in foul territory."
Curtis Granderson homered to right in the first inning to put Yankees’ on the board. For the Orioles, Chris Davis and third baseman J.J. Hardy hit back to back home runs to help their side come back from behind for a 3-1 lead. Wilson Betemit and Neil Johnson
also made valuable contributions with the bat.
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