Just as they did two seasons ago, the New York Yankees swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in what is looking like a repeat performance of their slow start in 2005 that ended with the AL East division crown. A 13-6 win on Sunday continued the Yankees current win streak to six straight and 9 out of the last 11 to bring them one game from .500 on the season. Alex Rodriguez provided the power hitting two homeruns on the day including a go-ahead three run shot in the fourth inning to lift rookie Tyler Clippard up from an otherwise inconsistent effort. A-Rod’s Major League leading 23rd and 24th homers plated 5 total RBIs raising his Major League leading total to 63. A red hot Bobby Abreu added four more hits raising his average from .228 to .272 during a current 10 game hit streak in which he is 19 for 38 and batting .500. Sean Henn picked up the win after relieving Clippard in the 4th in his first appearance since being recalled from the minor leagues.

The sweep marked the New York Yankees 17th series win out of their last 18 interleague series. The lowly Pittsburgh Pirates are one of 14 National League teams to have losing records in interleague play (Colorado Rockies and the Florida Marlins are the only NL teams with a winning record). For the Pirates, it is just another step towards a sub-500 season, a distinction they have been unable to escape since their last winning season in 1992. For the Yankees, it was another step towards a season turnaround in which they look to reach the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season and capture their 10th consecutive AL East division title.

(6 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

 Loading ...