Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Yankees.com: Efficient Nova helps Yanks keep Rays cold
NEW YORK—Ivan Nova recaptured his form and led the charge for the surging Yankees, allowing just four hits across eight-plus innings in a stellar effort to defeat the Rays, 4-1, on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.
Nova permitted a single to the first batter of the game, Desmond Jennings, then appeared close to untouchable for the majority of the night. He retired 12 straight after a fourth-inning walk, fueling the Yankees toward their 10th win in 13 games.
Nova entered the top of the ninth with a chance at his first career shutout, but back-to-back triples by Jennings and B.J. Upton chased the righty, who struck out five and walked one, throwing 69 of his 103 pitches for strikes.
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Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano slugged solo home runs to account for the early damage against right-hander Alex Cobb, who permitted four runs in seven-plus strong innings during his second career start against the Yankees and first in the Bronx.
That was the game I’ve been waiting for Nova to throw all year.
If last place Boston could have beaten first place Baltimore, the Yankees would have first place in the AL East all to themselves. But because Boston couldn’t beat Baltimore, the Yankees will have to settle for sole possession of second place.
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