The return of Alex Rodriguez to the roster seems to have returned the Yankees to their true form, as they broke a four game winless streak, blasting the Orioles 8-0. O’s pitcher Garret Olson was chased after 2 2/3 innings of being knocked around for 6 runs and 8 hits. A-Rod hit his second home run in as many games since his return from the DL.
Rodriguez should have been credited with another home run in the 6th, but a poor call by the officiating crew resulted in an RBI double. Replays clearly showed the ball going over the fence before bouncing back in play, and the umpire crew admitted to botching the call.
The Yanks got good pitching from Darrell Rasner who improved to 3-0 on the season, allowing 5 hits over 7 innings pitched. Joba Chamberlain also began his transition from setup man to starting pitcher, as he threw two solid innings of relief. Yankees management remained tight lipped about how long it would take to fully prepare Chamberlain for work in the rotation.
Notes: Derek Jeter played the full game, despite being hit in the left hand by a pitch during Tuesday’s game.