New York Yankees’ journey in the 2011 MLB season – Part 7
After losing five consecutive games in Spring Training, it was difficult for the New York Yankees to come out of shock. They had lost 10 of their first 18 games and 2011 regular season seemed to arrive faster than usual.
The Yankees were under pressure from five consecutive losses and their next full-squad matchup was with the old rivals Boston Red Sox.
Game 19 of the Spring Training: New York Yankees receive sixth consecutive blow
Girardi was hopeful to see a better exhibition from the batters as he had aligned young hurlers at the pitching rotation. However, the hope faded when the Yankees batting continued to struggle against the determined pitching depth of the Boston Red Sox.
At the city of Palms Park in Fort Myers on March 14, the Yankees’ Manuel Banuelos made just over two sharp innings to help the club gain a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. The condition was strong and Scott Garrison succeeded Banuelos brilliantly
for his just over one inning, but a sudden two runs denoted by Dellin Betances sent the Yankees into deep trouble.
Red Sox pitchers had achieved their proper momentum and the Yankees’ bat was not in perfect position even to level the game. Until the top of the ninth inning, the American League’s Eastern franchise, Yankees tried hard to steal any run gathering hit, but
the hopes of Girardi faded when Rich Hill tossed his last pitch to close down the outing.
Out of eight hits, the Yankees’ bat produced only a single for the club. Girardi was in deep thoughts as all of his rotations had flopped. Despite a little hope Girardi had already made it clear saying "The regular season, we'd probably try to give it a
go.”
The Baltimore Orioles were waiting for the Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, but New York was not dejected despite the fact that they had achieved a win over the Orioles in the first competition.
Game 20 of Spring Training: Destruction from both ends, Yankees shattered losing streak
It had always been difficult to predict the impetus of the Yankees, but the destruction they showed against the Orioles was amazing. Ivan Nova tossed a matchless six shut-out innings and struck-out four batters to destroy the complete batting line-up of
the weak Baltimore Orioles.
The batting squad helped Nova be successful in his first six-innings start of Spring Training. Mariano Rivera, Mark Prior and David Robertson joined hands with the batters to take the Yankees into a commanding 10-0 shut-out.
Alex Rodriguez launched his second homer of Spring Training and Derek Jeter scored an RBI single. Mark Teixeira scored two RBIs while Russell Martin, Eric Chavez and Brett Gardner also managed to move the scoreboard. Nick Swisher made two base stealing hits
and Robinson Cano along with Jorge Posada added a single hit.
It was the second best win for the Yankees after their 10-8 victory over the Houston Astros on March 6. Girardi however was happy to see that his club had a spark that could destroy any pitching depth regardless of their records.
The club now had to achieve consistency with every passing game as the regular season was just 14 days away. Derek Jeter was aware of the pressure of the regular season so he tried to open his arm in the practice session to avoid any mistakes in the later
half.
The Yankees now have to take on the Tampa Bay Rays. The previous meeting between the clubs was without any result.
Continued in Part 8
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