Thursday, June 13, 2013

Hiroki Kuroda fired eight innings, allowing only two runs. The Yankees were also held to two runs over the first eight innings. In fact, both team would be held to two runs for over 17 innings. In a game that never seemed to end, the Yankees lost a 18 inning heart breaker at the hands of the Athletics, as the Bombers bats died off after the 1st inning.

What it means: The Yankees bullpen was completely depleted, while the team now travels to Anaheim without much rest. After being swept in three games by Oakland, the Yankees continue to fall behind the Red Sox in the AL East with help still far from returning.

Don't cha know: Robinson Cano homered in the 1st inning, ending the Yankees five game homer-less drought. His two-run shot would be the only offense that the Yankees would muster up in over 18 innings of play.

Close call: We may not have played 18 innings had it not been for a play at the plate in the 3rd inning. With Oakland already having scored one run in the inning, Seth Smith lined a two-out double off the wall in right, as the ball come home, Chris Stewart appeared to have applied the tag, but the runner was called safe to tie the game at 2-2.

Hirok: Hiroki Kuroda followed up Phil Hughes' rough start on Wednesday with a dominating outing against the Athletics. Take away the two-run 3rd innings and what you have is one the best starts that the Yankees would have had this season. Kuroda battled 8 innings against Oakland's start, Jarrod Parker, permitting two runs on two hits, while walking two and striking out three.

Second starter: Adam Warren entered the game in the 11th inning and tossed 6 shutout innings, allowing only four hits, while walking two and striking out four on 85 pitches. Because of his extended outing, it's very likely that Warren will be sent down before the Yankees take the field in Anaheim. Six innings of work will make him useless for the next few days and after the Yankees used six relievers in the game, they'll need to call up some help for their tired arms.

Just awful: The fearsome four of Mark Teixeira, Travis Hafner, Kevin Youkilis and Vernon Wells were a combined 0-for-28 with 12 strikeouts.

Not just yet: With the game on the line in the 15th inning, Coco Crisp lined a soft single into left field, as Brandon Moss came charging home, Wells cannoned home a throw that not only beat Moss to the plate, but was hung on by Stewart following a collision at the plate, saving the game for the Yankees.

Wasted chances: The Yankees left a runner on 2nd in the 10th inning, the bases loaded in the 11th, a runner on 2nd in the 12th, stranded Cano on 2nd after a leadoff double in the 13th, again with the bases loaded in the 14th, totaling 11 men left on base in the 10th through 14th innings.

Up next: The Yankees travel to LA for a three-game set with the Angels starting on Friday. Pitching matchups: Andy Pettitte (5-3, 3.82) vs. LHP C.J. Wilson (4-5, 4.05) on Friday; David Phelps (4-3, 3.90) vs. RHP Tommy Hanson (3-2, 4.12) on Saturday; CC Sabathia (6-5, 4.07) vs. RHP Jered Weaver (1-2, 3.77) on Sunday.

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