Off Base

2006_04_syankeeslogo.jpgHideki Matsui’s outfield play has regressed each season, but he is usually flawless mentally. Saturday night, Matsui made a boneheaded decision in the ninth inning of the Yankees 6-5 loss to Minnesota. With a runner on first and no one out, Matsui chose to try and throw out the runner heading for third instead of throwing to second to prevent the winning run from getting into scoring position. When Justin Morneau singled with two outs, both runs scored and the Yankees had lost again.

Matsui also failed with the bat, coming up with one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd and failing to get a run home. Matsui wasn’t the only Yankee to fail in the clutch as A Rod, Damon, Sheffield and Posada all missed opportunities to drive home runs with less than two outs.

The ninth inning breakdown wipes out what would have been the best win of the season. After a terrible performance by Jaret Wright, the Yankees battled back with Derek Jeter going 3 for 3 with 3 RBI’s and Scott Proctor providing three innings of shutout relief. But Mariano gave up two hits to start the ninth and the Yankees are now under .500 again.

Email This Entry


Comments (2) [rss]

youre way off-base* again, focusing on matsui for this loss. calling his play "boneheaded" is bad enough to get you bumped off this blog. it was a close play at third, and it was an understandable decision, albeit not the most conservative. his ground ball to second wasnt a "failure" either, it was hit sharply the other way and likely wouldve scored the run if they werent playing on turf. we're talking about one of the most clutch yankees in recent history. the yankees made a sweet comeback, and the twins did on mariano too. it happens, chill out.

wow, that sounded kinda mean-spirited. sorry :)

Post a comment (Comment Policy)

Tips

Get your daily dose of New York first thing in the morning from our weekday newsletter, now in beta.

About Gothamist

Gothamist is a website about New York. More

Editor: Jen Chung
Publisher: Jake Dobkin

Newsmap

newsmap.jpg

Contribute

Latest Tip:

years of isiah thomas stories in chant form http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/2009/11/14/20
[more]

Latest Photo:

Subscribe

Use an RSS reader to stay up to date with the latest news and posts from Gothamist.

All Our RSS