Game 76. Six-pack. Yanks win 6th in row, 8-5.

By: Mike Sommer

Melky Cabrera drove in three runs, including the game-winner, A-Rod hit #565* and Derek Jeter added two runs of insurance as the Yanks beat the Mariners for their sixth win in a row, 8-5.

Mariano threw out the first pitch (in honor of save #500) and the last, getting save #501.

Joba started, but once again looked like Jaret Wright. I agree with Pete Abraham’s assessment that Joba has to let it fly. 5 1/3 again. He’s got to start going deeper into ballgames. The ERA (3.89) isn’t bad, but he has to start copying a workhorse like CC. He had a struggle last night. 5 1/3, 3 R, 9 hits, 3 walks and 4 K. Lengthen it out, Joba.

Phil Coke finished the sixth, the Hughes had the 7th. Another great outing from Phil out of the bullpen, and I agree wholeheartedly with Pete Abe and with Jason’s comment (previous post) about Girardi needing to use Hughes for more than just one inning. He has to start thinking of Hughes like Torre thought of Rivera in 1996. Turn Hughes/ Rivera into a 2009 version of Rivera/Wetteland. Instead, Girardi went by the book and brought in Bruney for the 8th and it nearly burned him as Bruney coughed up the 5-3 lead provided by A-Rod’s 2-run HR.

In the bottom of the 8th, Melky’s RBI double followed by Jeter’s 2-run hit gave the Yanks their victory. Then the 9th, Mo and the win.

Joba, give more innings.

Girardi…trust and go with Hughes more often, and for two if necessary.       

Sommer Frieze is a blog dedicated (mainly) to the Yankees. I'll touch on other things as well and the blog (as much as possible) will not only have Yankees news but also follow the Yanks' farm teams. Come visit at Sommer Frieze.

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