“You play to win the game”~ Herm Edwards

The great Mariano alone with his thoughts.

And so the not quite yet mathematically eliminated Yankees finished their three game set against defending world champion San Francisco Giants on the day the Yankees honored Mariano Rivera.  Andy Pettitte, who announced his retirement last week pitched his final game at Yankee Stadium.

Andy Pettitte warms up in the bullpen

What could possibly go wrong?

Plenty for the hurting, stumbling into the end of the season Yankees.

The Yankees, as previously mentioned started Andy Pettitte (10-11 3.88) and the New York San Francisco Giants started Yusmeiro Petit (4-0 3.08.)  So Pettitte faced Petit.

Andy pitched great, bringing a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

The Yankees scored first when first baseman Mark Reynold homered on a 2-2 count into the Giants bullpen.  1-0 Yankees after three innings.

San Francisco tied the score in the bottom of the sixth when Ehire Adrianza homered into left field.

Andy Pettitte came out to pitch the top of the eight and promptly gave up a double to Pablo Sandaval.  Pettitte was then replaced by David Robertson.  After getting Hector Sanchez to ground out he gave up a single to Tony Abreu, scoring pinch runner Nick Noonan.

And that was the final score.  2-1 Giants.

The Yankees had plenty of chances in the eighth and ninth but, being the new Yankees, could not score.  In the eighth alone two Yankees were called out at home plate while trying to score.

Javier Lopez (4-2 1.63) got the win for San Francisco.

What to make of the Yankees?  While not mathematically eliminated it is pretty much a foregone conclusion that they are not making the post season.  With only six games left the Yankees are now four games back in the battle for the second wild card.

Notes on the game:

Noted blogger Innominatus is a big San Francisco Giant fan. Rumor had it he would make an appearance.  But it was not to be so.  He texted me in the fifth inning:

Burying 80 million dollars I made making and distributing meth.  Probably won’t be at the game.

So be it.  It was his loss.

As a promotion for Mariano Rivera day, the first 10,000 fans were given male pattern baldness.  Since I already have MPB, I gave mine to a ten year old kid.  He started crying and saying “But mommy I don’t want male pattern baldness.”  His mother told him to shut up and appreciate the gift the nice man gave him.

Kids.  Such brats nowadays.  They have no appreciation or respect!

Best heckle of the game:

My heckle of “Man is not moved at once according to the irascible and concupiscible appetites but he awaits the command of the will, which is the superior appetite” didn’t fire up the crowd.

Reader mail:

D.B. of Philadelphia writes, “I’m not irascible.  Now leave me alone.”

Philly.  ‘Nuf said.

S.J. of Harlem writes, “I await the command of your will.”

Being a world famous blogger I command an army of minions, you see.

L.K. of New Jersey writes, “My army of canines will not follow me anymore.  They await to do the bidding of your will.”

You’re just jealous.

A.P of Poughkeepsie writes, “Happiness is a warm gun, bang bang shoot shoot.”

Careful son.  That’s a Beatles song which means the copyright is owned by Michael Jackson’s family.  You don’t want those psychos coming after you.

Recommended reading material:

Paterson, by William Carlos Williams.

Metallica was at the stadium today to honor Mariano.  Here they are playing “Enter Sandman” live as Mariano walks to the pitcher’s mound:

Mariano and Enter Sandman Live!

And so my record stands at 8-7 this year.  My next and final game of the year is Wednesday September 25th against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Go Yankees!

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