In the third game of the opening series for the 2008 season, the Yankees pulled through with a close victory. Bobby Abreu’s single in the eighth inning put the team on top 3-2. Phil Hughes started the game and looked magnificent. He pitched six innings, had four strikeouts and allowed only four hits. Looking at his command and pitches no one would guess that he is the youngest starter in the majors. He looks like he has been doing it for years and that bodes really well for the Yankees because as he progresses he will get even better.
Following up were Traber and Bruney who both pitched less than an inning each. Joba came into the game in the eighth and had another good game as setup man with one K and one hit allowed in one inning. He would walk away with the win. Mariano Rivera came into the ninth and successfully closed the game, getting three straight outs and securing another save.
Next up are the Tampa Bay Rays at 7:05 EST tomorrow. The game will be on YES as we get to see the third man in the “Big Three”, Ian Kennedy. He will face off against Rays’ pitcher Andy Sonnanstine.