Yankees 3, Royals 2

A VERY WORKMAN-LIKE WIN!

The Yankees weren't at their best tonight-- 0-9 with runners in scoring position, and 12 left on base... Yet they STILL managed to eke out a win from a very tough Kansas City team.

Ian Kennedy started for the Bombers, going 5 innings, allowing 7 hits and 2 earned runs. He struck out 2 while walking 3 in his second MLB start. He wasn't at his best, but he kept the Yankees in the game. Not bad...

Kyle Farnsworth relieved Kennedy, doing his best Joba impersonation, whiffing 2 in his inning of work. Perhaps the young Mr. Chamberlain has had a positive effect on the inconsistent veteran. Not bad...

Joba Chamberlain was outstanding in his 2 innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 1 batter. Not bad...

Mariano Rivera nailed down the win in the 9th with utter ease. NONE BETTER!

Offensively, the Yankees banged out 9 hits. Not bad...

Alex Rodriguez had 3 of them; a homer (49) and 2 singles. NONE BETTER!

Bobby Abreu's 2-out double was the difference, plating Derek Jeter from first. Not bad...

Jorge Posada cranked his 19th homer of the season in the 2nd inning. Not bad...EITHER...

A solid, if not impressive win. By my count, even withstanding the Yankees' recent struggles against the Devil Rays, they are 7-3 in their last 10 games. A .700 winning percentage may indeed be what they need to stave off the surging Tigers and all of their pitching. That SHOULD be sufficient.

The Yankees go for 4 in a row and 8 out of 11 tomorrow. Chien-Ming Wang pitches.

GO YANKEES!

UPDATE (9/8/2007): D'Oh! Andy Pettitte pitches today, not Chien-Ming Wang... Rick's WRONG Again!!! D'Oh!