New York Yankees 2012 regular season review – Part 67
After hammering the Washington Nationals 7-2 in the opening game of their three match series, the New York Yankees were looking to continue the good work in Game to extend their winning streak to eight games.
Showing great determination, fighting skills and character, the Yankees outclassed their rivals in finer details of the game on June 16 to take a decisive 2-0 series lead. To their credit, the National put up a braver fight but the night belonged to the
Yankees who held their nerves under pressure to secure another extra inning victory.
Yankees’ starting pitcher Andy Pettitte put up a powerful show as he allowed just five hits and two runs in seven solid innings to lay the foundations on an impressive win for his team. It was an impressive win for the veteran who struggled with control
on his previous two appearances.
Relief pitchers Cory Wade, Boone Logan, Clay Rapada, Cody Eppley and Rafael Soriano all made useful contributions to help the Yankees hold on their slim lead. Soriano showed nerves of steel in the final inning of the game to save his 12th game
of this season. Nationals’ Jordan Zimmermann also had a decent time on the mound but he was unfortunate to end up on the losing side.
"Find a way to get it done, and that's what our guys did," manager Joe Girardi said. "To be honest, I was having a hard time remembering how we got our other three runs. It was so long ago."
"I thought he was really amped up," Washington manager Davey Johnson said. "I've never seen him swing at balls out of the zone. He was chasing balls. He got into that mode of trying to make something happen."
"You start thinking, 'OK, this guy's has a really tough day, and people are cheering for him, and it could just change his whole day,' " Girardi said.
After Nationals took the early lead, Eric Chavez reached first base safely on an error in the fourth inning to put Yankees on the board. Raul Ibanez and Chavez continued to play aggressively to help the Yankees claim a vital 3-2 lead. However, it was Mark
Teixeira who delivered the tie breaking and go ahead run as he doubled to deep right in the 14th.
Teixeira should be given a lot of credit for showing nerves of steel under pressure. Showing excellent composure and mental strength, the outfielder helped his dig out of the hole. Skipper Girardi was very pleased with what he saw from the players on the
field and he aimed to continue the good work to cement Yankees’ first place on the American League East Division standings table.
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