A-Rod Homers Twice and Pettitte Stifles the Royals in Win

Alex Rodriguez hits his second of two home runs on the night. (David Pokress)

After another difficult night at the plate last night, Alex Rodriguez told reporters that he was "about to go off." The reporters probably had to muffle chuckles and smiles. After all, there was no signs of improvement. Many wondered if Rodriguez was injured. However, it turns out that A-Rod was just a bit prophetic, as he homered in both of his first two at-bats off rookie Will Smith tonight. When asked about what he had said, Rodriguez stated, "I said it because I meant it. I said it because I meant those things. I said it with conviction, not because it was going to sound good here in my locker. It is good to back it up."

Andy Pettite allowed just two runs in seven innings of work. (Robert Sabo)

In his last start, Andy Pettitte threw eight shutout innings, while striking out nine in a win over the Reds. Pettitte was nearly as dominant tonight. Other than giving up a pair of solo home runs to Billy Butler and Mitch Maier, the Royals could get nothing going. Pettitte only gave up those two runs, while striking out eight in seven solid innings. The 39-year-old has been just what the Yankees rotation needed. His consistency on the mound and leadership in the clubhouse is clearly felt by all the Yankees.


The Yankees are a far cry from where they want to be. A 23-21 record and fourth place in the AL East is simply not going to cut it for this ball club. This team is full of talent. They just really need something to get them going. This might be it. A-Rod came into tonight homerless in his last 52 at-bats. That streak is over. Coming into tonight, the Yankees were 8 for 41 (.195) with the bases loaded on the season. In their last nine games, they are 9 for 85 (.106) with runners in scoring position. Those are streaks that need to end as well for this team to turn things around. The Yankees organization is like a family. They can hope that outstanding performances, like these out of Rodriguez and Pettitte, can propel the rest of the team to do the same. The Yankees have won two games in a row now. Well, you've got to start somewhere.