Game 5: Rays beat Andy Pettitte in his "return"

April 5, 2008

By DailySkew

The Yanks dropped two in a row to the Rays because their offense is ice cold. Andy Pettitte, making his return from the DL- and his first game since admitting being an HGH user- did not have the stamina to last past 5 innings. Andy’s highest pitch count in Spring was in the 70’s, so he volunteered to try his best today, but it wasn’t good enough.

Andy was decent, but not at his best, giving up 8 hits and 2 walks, and 3 earned runs (5 total). It didn’t help that Shelley Duncan made a throwing error, which created 2 unearned runs.

Brian Bruney once again pitched superbly, even after starting the game 3 balls no strikes (the fans got frustrated when they happened; it looks like I’m his biggest fan). He was perfect: 2 innings, 4 strike outs.

Ross Ohlendorf gave up a solo homerun, but otherwise was sharp for 2 innings. Ross should have a busy April since the LaTroy & Kyle Show ™ is stinking up the place.

Unfortunately, the early season offensive slumps continue. The Yanks rallied in the 8th to make the score 6-3, but that was it. The squandered opportunities.

Joe Girardi did not manage these last two games, as he has been extremely sick. I sure hope he can motivate these hitters because they remind me of last year’s team at this point. I know that the weather is cold, but it’s cold for the other teams as well! I also know that the Blue Jays starters were tough, but the Yanks have no excuse to struggle against the Tampa Bay Rays’ arms.

On the bright side, it means everyone is due. The best hitter has been Bobby Abreu so far.

On the negative side, Bud Selig’s “Schedule Committee” has the Yanks to play 20 consecutive games in April, and if they have to make up the rain out, 21! With the starters unlikely to go 7 innings every night, the bullpen is going to be overworked this month. Not very promising if the offense continues to struggle against poor pitchers. Time to wake up, guys.