The Yankees just faced a division leader and probable playoff contender. Why not face another?
Yesterday the Yankees started their march to the playoffs in style, beating Detroit 5-3 on a monster blast by Teixeira (video here) in the 7th inning that scored Jeter and Damon and took the lead for good.
Why was the lead secure in the 7th inning? Well, Phil Hughes took the mound and shut Detroit down, that's why.
Yeah. Mr. Hughes can pitch from the bullpen, that's for sure. They're saying he hit 97 while getting those 6 strikeouts in two innings.
The Yankees might not need an official "setup" man for the 8th inning. In the championship years the Yankees had two, Jeff Nelson and Mike Stanton, a righty and a lefty. A Hughes and Bruney duo, with Aceves and Robertson in the mix, should be able to get things done.
And so the second half of the season, and the playoff race, is officially underway. The Yankees remain 3 behind Boston with three months left in the season. Let's see what happens.
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