I hate to anoint any game a must-wing game, but tonight’s game is as close to a must-win as any the Yanks have played this season. In Minneapolis, the Tigers scored four early runs and held on late to sweep the Twins this weekend. So the Yanks find themselves up by just 2 in the Wild Card race and in need of a win.
Meanwhile, the Yanks are going with a different look tonight. Hideki Matsui, he of the hot July, has hit two home runs since August 1. During that span, he’s hitting a quiet .277/.358/.392 in 148 at bats. His September is worse: .125/.308/.200 in 40 at bats with just two extra base hits. He’s sitting tonight.
Jason Giambi, the victim of an HBP retaliation yesterday that angrily did not result in any ejections, is out of the lineup while Jorge Posada DHs after his jarring collusion with Eric Hinske. Giambi, who hadn’t looked great in the field this weekend, will be replaced by Doug Mientkiewicz. This game marks Mientkiewicz’s first start since June.
It’s a matchup for the ages — or at least six years ago — as Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling face off. This matchup was the main attraction for the heartbreaking game 7 of the 2001 World Series. On the plus side, this game could be a six-inning affair. Joba’s available for two tonight and Rivera is rested and ready as well. Here we go.
New York Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada DH
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Mientkiewicz 1B
Molina C
Clemens P
Boston Red Sox
Ellsbury LF
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Lowell 3B
Drew RF
Varitek C
Hinske 1B
Crisp CF
Lugo SS
Schilling P
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