Sabathia, Yanks Avoid Three Game Sweep to Mariners

Whew... That was close. Getting swept is bad, but for it to happen to the Mariners, a team who's season is already on life support, would be downright embarrassing.

Enter Sabathia. After watching Cliff Lee and Felix Hernandez baffle Yankees hitters the past two nights, CC dominated, throwing 8 innings and giving up only 1 earned run as the Yanks won 4-2. Mo finished off with a scoreless ninth and received his 18th save of the season.

The Yankees' bats also finally woke up, as A-Rod hit a huge two-run home-run in the bottom of the eighth after the Mariners tied it up in the top half of the inning.

With the victory, the Yankees have temporarily extended their AL East lead to 1.5 games over the Red Sox.

Utley Out for 5-6 Weeks After Thumb Surgery

Just when Mets' fans thought the stars could not align any more perfectly this year, there are reports today that Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will be out 5-6 weeks following surgery on his sprained right thumb. He joins third baseman, Placido Polanco, on the DL for the foreseeable future.

This is another opportunity for the Mets to try to widen the gap between themselves and the Phillies. With Jason Heyward of the Braves recently being put on the DL, too, the Mets have a chance to head into the All-Star break in first place.

Somehow, though, I feel Mets' fans aren't too confident that will happen.

How the Philadelphia Phillies Got Three More Home Games...

So this is why the Toronto Blue Jays-Philadelphia Phillies series was moved from Toronto to Philly? What a travesty.



This might make you feel a little better, though, Mets fans...

Peaceful G20 protest at Queen & Spadina from Meghann Millard on Vimeo.

New York Yankees Blanked by the King (No, Not That King)

Considering all the talk about King James in New York right now, it was only fitting that King Felix would want a little attention, as well. I mean, he is royalty after all.

Well, he made it onto the back-pages today by throwing a complete game shutout with 11 K's against the Yankees to help the Mariners win their second straight game against the defending champs, 7-0.

Javy Vazquez actually pitched decently again (continuing his dubious streak of pitching well against some of the worst hitting teams in the Majors), but with the bats dormant and the bullpen falling apart, the Yanks never really had a chance or even mounted a comeback.

Mets Win Final Game in "San Juan Series"; Reyes Out, Though

The Mets, back to their old road woes, lost their first two games to the Marlins on Monday and Tuesday, but were able to salvage a 6-5 win behind some timely hitting from David Wright and recently promoted third catcher, Josh Thole. Mike Pelfrey had an uncharacteristically poor game giving up 12 hits and allowing 4 earned runs over only 4 2/3 innings pitched. However, the Mets' bullpen continued their impressive streak by giving up only one run over the last 4 1/3 innings.

However, the Mets did not leave San Juan on a completely positive note, as Jose Reyes sat out the final game with some stiffness in his lower back or side, depending on if you believe the Mets or Reyes himself. Although it does not seem major, this injury bears watching, as Reyes' laundry list of past injuries have made us cringe every time he stubs his toe. If Reyes is out for a significant amount of time, it would be a huge blow to the Mets' offense, especially since Reyes was just getting hot.

If he does go down on the DL, though, you would assume Tejada would be moved over to shortstop and Alex Cora would step into second base until Luis Castillo is healthy.

With Pagan also not healthy right now, the Mets powerful 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup has been transformed into jsut Jesus Feliciano and Ruben Tejada. Considering that, the Mets have to be even more excited that they were able to pull out a 6-5 victory last night that allowed them to stay only 1.5 games back on the Braves in the NL East.