New York Yankees 2012 regular season review – Part 64
After securing a thrilling 4-2 win Game 2 of a three match series, the New York Yankees had taken a decisive 2-0 lead against the Atlanta Braves. Manager Joe Girardi wanted his men to continue their heroic form in the finale as well to complete their second
straight series sweep.
Showing great determination, fighting abilities and mental strength, Girardi’s boys prevailed in a nail biting encounter 3-2 in Game 3 to extend their winning streak to six games. With their win, the Yankees also improved their record to 37-25 and also claimed
the top spot on the American League East Division standings table.
Starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda put up another fine performance as he allowed just two run in six solid innings. Striking out batters at regular intervals, the Japanese veteran kept Braves on the defensive for most part of the game. Using his fastball and
sliders effectively, Kuroda grabbed his sixth win of the season.
"I think getting comfortable in New York sometimes can take a while," Girardi said. "I've seen it happen to some great pitchers. It can take a while."
"I don't know if I'm getting comfortable in New York," Kuroda said through a translator. "I think it's one win at a time, one game at a time."
"This is what we saw in spring training," Girardi said. "This is what we saw last year and the scouts all saw. It's just consistency. You're starting to see the consistent velocity. You're starting to see the consistent slider, a better curveball. That leads
me to believe that he'll continue."
Relief pitchers Boone Logan and Cody Eppley kept pressure on the Braves as the combined to toss up two scoreless innings. Closer Rafael Soriano enhanced his reputation with another solid performance as he pitched the perfect ninth to help the Yankees hold
on to a slim lead.
Slugger Alex Rodriguez provided New York with an excellent start as he earned an RBI single to centre in the first inning. Derek Jeter scored to put Yankees on the board. Braves fought back strongly to take 2-1 lead in the fifth inning but the night belonged
to the Yankees. Curtis Granderson smacked a the tie breaking home run in the sixth to give his side another impressive win.
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