After Friday nights performance against the Platinum Marlins in a first round 55s playoff game, the Damn Yankees have a new spelling of the word relief : W-E-B-E-R.
John Weber smothered a second inning rally with a masterful relief performance and limited the Marlins to just four runs over the final five innings as the Yankees advanced to the semifinals with a 15-5 win at New Scotland.
After the Yankees jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, Yankees starter Bill Kervan mowed the Marlins down in order in the bottom of the first. But after taking a hard line drive off his leg in the second inning, Kervan tried to gut it out, but couldnt find the plate. After walking in a run, Kervan was forced to exit the game with the bases loaded and nobody out. Weber took over and proceeded to strike out the first batter he faced, and then snared a sharp grounder destined for centerfield and started a 1-2-3 double play to end the inning. It was the turning point in the game and proved to be a recurring theme for the Marlins, who had a difficult time coming up with the big hit against Weber.
The Yankees will now face the top-seeded Cardinals on Monday at Satellite at 5:45. Due to various rainouts, it will mark the fourth time these two teams have met in the last two weeks. The Cards hold a 2-1 edge against the Yankees and are looking to defend their tournament crown for the past two years. The Americans, by virtue of their win over the Peppers last night, take on the Whiz Kids on Tuesday in the other semifinal game.
You beat me to the write up! A great job by you as always!
The DY's has many big hits and big plays. Tim B was an HR away from a cycle. Weber not only pitched a great game, but he had three hits out of the lead-off spot. In fact, five of the first six batters in the lineup had at least 2 hits. Defensively, the double plays and solid, smart plays set the tone for the Yanks. I could sing the praise of every single player on this team. I'm lucky enough to be able to carry the gear for these guys. All smart, attentive team players!
The Marlins are a good team with many, many great guys on it. Scott Ross probably threw 150 pitches in his effort. But Billy K and JWeb just did not let them feel comfortable or get many solid swings.
Billy had his stuff last night until he took the hard shot off his shin. Though he says it was not bothering him, he had a huge welt and when he came back out in the next inning you could see it did affect him. His competitive juices were flowing and he was "aching" to get stay in there. But the welt was too big and it was decided he need to take care of that first. He just did not want to quit. Ya know - I hope I grow up to be like him. Just not the wrinkly part. Wait, What?!? Oh, too late - already got 'em.
