New York Yankees 2012 regular season review – Part 61
After completing and emphatic series sweep against the New York Mets, the New York Yankees were looking to build on the momentum to continue their excellent winning streak against their next opponents; the Atlanta Braves.
Joe Girardi and his men executed their game plan to perfect ion in Game 1 of a three match series against the Atlanta Braves. The pitchers made quick work of the Braves’ batting lineup as the Yankees secured a shutout 3-0 win to take 1-0 lead in the series.
Despite having the home conditions working in their favour at Turner Field in Atlanta, the Braves were unable to post a single run on the board. The offence had absolutely no answers to some high quality pitching.
Robinson Cano provided the Yankees with an excellent start as he singled to centre in the first inning to put his side on the board. Outfielder Raul Ibanez also played a key role in deciding the outcome of the contest as he smacked a solo home run to right
in the second inning, extending Yankees’ lead to 2-0.
“Who would have thought it?" Yankees manager Joe Girardi asked. "I think there's a lot of parity in the American League this year and I think there are a lot of good teams who are going to beat up on each other. Our guys have done a good job of enduring
some things. We've had some key injuries and we've been able to figure things out a little bit. Guys have stepped up and we just have to keep going."
"Our starting pitching has been really good, and that's how you put streaks together," Girardi said.
Slugger Alex Rodriguez also made his presence felt as he combined with Cano to score on a wild pitch in the third innings, giving his side a decisive 3-0 lead.
Starting pitcher Ivan Nova showed skills of a match winner as he gave up just five hits in seven scoreless innings while striking out six batters. Relief pitchers Cody Eppley, Clay Rapada, Cory Wade and Boone Logan also played their part as they combined
to toss up two perfect innings.
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