We’ve always hated tossing around the phrase “must-win” when it comes to Yankee games. Too often, writers label a game a “must-win” only to see a team lose and then rebound. But today is different.
This afternoon, the Orioles, leading the Red Sox 4-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh, gave up two in the seventh, two in the eighth and one in the ninth to lose the game. With that win, Boston is 7.5 games up on the Yankees with 23 left to play. If the Yanks — who have 24 games left — lose tonight, that eight-game deficit will be nigh impossible to cover. They have to win tonight to keep whatever faint glimmer of hope remains alive.
To that end, Carl Pavano will take the mound in search of his third straight win. Once he records the second out of the first inning, he will have thrown more innings this year than he has in the prior two years combined. Go Carl!
Pavano faces Edwin Jackson, and the Yanks do not hit him well. Jackson is 1-1 against the Yanks in four starts this year. He’s sporting a 2.59 ERA in 24.1 innings against the Bombers.
It’s hard to believe that the season could hinge on Carl Pavano.
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
A. Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Nady LF
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
I. Rodriguez C
Pavano P
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