Friday, May 28, 2010 continues to be a happy day for the Yankees.  It seems the return of Curtis Granderson sparked something in the Yankees 8-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians tonight.  A number of Yankees came through in different ways.

Phil Hughes took the mound tonight looking for his sixth win of the season.  He started the game off red hot striking out the first five batters he faced.  He pitched 7 innings and allowed only five hits and two runs and struck out eight.  One of the runs was a long homerun by Branyan into right center in the 7th inning.  Sergio Mitre relieved Hughes in the 8th inning giving up no hits and striking out one in a 1-2-3 inning.  Despite Chan Ho Park's recent woes, he pulled through in the 9th inning only allowing one hit and striking out two to close the game.

On the other side, Carmona's pitching was not so hot.  He pitched 6 innings allowing seven hits, four runs, three walks, and only striking out three.  His relief pitching was no help either, giving up five hits, four runs and only striking out one between the three of them.

For the Yankees offense it was a huge night.  Newly engaged Nick Swisher came up huge in the 2nd inning smashing a two run homerun.  If it weren't for the foul pole that ball could have made the terrace or even the grandstand seats.

The 6th and 7th innings were big innings for the Yankee bats.  Nick Swisher loaded the bases in the 6th inning and Juan Miranda followed with a walk to force in Teixeira.  Brett Gardner then followed with a sac fly to bring home Cano.  In the 7th inning, with Jeter at thrid, Granderson at second, and Teixeira at first, Robinson Cano smashed a grand slam into right to blow open the Yankees lead from 4-2 to 8-2.

Mark Teixeira has a good night at the plate, but had an even better night at first base.  Just when I thought this guy couldn't get any better at first base he does just that.  He caught a hard line drive to end the third inning, saved two possible doubles in the fourth inning, and makes a diving stop in the 7th for another final out.  He really is the best firstbaseman I have ever seen and I don't know if there will be another one like him.  Props to Teixeira, my favorite player, for never letting your defense die.  As an athlete, I can speak for all when I say that defense wins games.

Curtis Granderson put on a show in centerfield today running after fly balls.  He made a lot of long runs to make plays all with a sore groin.  It is great to see you back Curtis.  No more groin injuries please.  Thank you.