As much has been made of the Yanks starting pitcher’s inability to get past the National Anthem without surrendering multiple runs, an even bigger question is burning in the Bronx: why is the offense suddenly MIA?
Consider: thus far, the Yankees have scored in 4 of 27 innings. In three of those innings, only one run crossed the plate – and two of those were courtesy of Robinson Cano solo homers. As memorable as the 5 run outburst in the 7th inning of game 1 may be for the dramatics, it stands in danger of being memorable simply because it is the only time all series the Yankees managed to tack multiple runs on the board. Compare that to the Rangers, who have scored in 8 of their 27 innings – and scored multiple runs in 7 of them. Granted, Cliff Lee may be the best big-game pitcher in the game today (which is a BIG reason he’ll be welcomed in the Bronx next year), but even removing last night’s game shows the Yankees are being outslugged by the Rangers.
Outslugged by the Rangers? Yep. Take away last night’s game and the aggregate score is Rangers 12, Yankees 8.
The key to winning this series now may very well be the Yankees ability to win the next three straight. As well as Lee is pitching right now, the idea of facing him in a game 7 should fill every fan with dread. Can the Yankees win three straight? Certainly, especially with the next two at Yankee Stadium. But they need to get the bats off their shoulders and start scoring, preferably early and often. Otherwise, it won’t matter that Lee is lined up for game 7.
M. B. Rozell
Kevin Rozell
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