The Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry has reached new heights, thanks to a thrilling regular season battle for first in the East, which will be coming to an end in 7 games. The first half of the season was all Red Sox. The Sox, who already had a loaded rotation, pulled a deal with the Cubs to bring Greg Maddux to Boston. This helped the Red Sox get off to a great start, and through the all star break Boston was on record pace. Meanwhile, the Yankees struggled big time out of the game. Bullpen woes, and offensive struggles had the Yankees under .500 in May, and they even spent some time in last place in the East. They turned it around though, and by the midway point had a firm hold on the wildcard.
Still, the Yankees could never get any closer than 8-12 games behind Boston. Then in August, things changed, the Yankees got red hot, Boston played ok, but the Yankees got back in the race. This set up a mid September 3 game series in the Bronx, with the Yankees only 3 games back.
The first game the Yankees won in a thrilling 2-1, 14 inning game. Kevin Brown and Curt Schilling battled in an epic pitchers duel, and Giambi won it with a double. Game 2 had the Yankees trailing 1-0 in the 9th, until Derek Jeter hit a 2 run walkoff homerun. Game 3 saw the Yankees having a 6 run, 14 hit outburst to complete the sweep winning 6-1.
So the Yankees had gotten with in 3 games, the closest they've been since the first week of the season. After taking 2 out of 3 vs. Toronto, the teams traveled to Fenway with the Yankees still 3 back. The first game had Boston up 1-0 in the 9th inning thanks to a brilliant performance from Lowe. After 2 quick outs, the Red Sox were 2 strikes away from pulling out a big win. But a Derek Jeter homerun, back to back doubles by Sheffield and Arod, and a 1-2-3 inning for Rivera shocked the Fenway crowd and the Yankees were only 2 games back.
The 2nd game had yet another pitchers duel, this time Wakefield-Mussina. Heading to the bottom of the 9th, the Yankees had a 2-0 lead, and the game appeared to be in the bag. But Boston got to Rivera, and after scoring a run, won it on a Bill Mueller grand slam.
So with 7 games left for both teams, the Yankees are 3 back. These teams meet once more in Fenway, followed by the Yankees returning home for the Twins, and then close out the season in Toronto. With these being the best 2 teams in baseball, and with 4 of the 5 last meetings being decided in the 9th or in extra innings, hopefully the next matchup won't be the last.
I'll keep you updated.
Still, the Yankees could never get any closer than 8-12 games behind Boston. Then in August, things changed, the Yankees got red hot, Boston played ok, but the Yankees got back in the race. This set up a mid September 3 game series in the Bronx, with the Yankees only 3 games back.
The first game the Yankees won in a thrilling 2-1, 14 inning game. Kevin Brown and Curt Schilling battled in an epic pitchers duel, and Giambi won it with a double. Game 2 had the Yankees trailing 1-0 in the 9th, until Derek Jeter hit a 2 run walkoff homerun. Game 3 saw the Yankees having a 6 run, 14 hit outburst to complete the sweep winning 6-1.
So the Yankees had gotten with in 3 games, the closest they've been since the first week of the season. After taking 2 out of 3 vs. Toronto, the teams traveled to Fenway with the Yankees still 3 back. The first game had Boston up 1-0 in the 9th inning thanks to a brilliant performance from Lowe. After 2 quick outs, the Red Sox were 2 strikes away from pulling out a big win. But a Derek Jeter homerun, back to back doubles by Sheffield and Arod, and a 1-2-3 inning for Rivera shocked the Fenway crowd and the Yankees were only 2 games back.
The 2nd game had yet another pitchers duel, this time Wakefield-Mussina. Heading to the bottom of the 9th, the Yankees had a 2-0 lead, and the game appeared to be in the bag. But Boston got to Rivera, and after scoring a run, won it on a Bill Mueller grand slam.
So with 7 games left for both teams, the Yankees are 3 back. These teams meet once more in Fenway, followed by the Yankees returning home for the Twins, and then close out the season in Toronto. With these being the best 2 teams in baseball, and with 4 of the 5 last meetings being decided in the 9th or in extra innings, hopefully the next matchup won't be the last.
I'll keep you updated.
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