Yankees News and Notes Saturday 4/2/11

The New York Yankees had a lot to be happy about after Saturday afternoons win. They are 2-0 for the first time since 2005. Here are some news and notes from after the game. Joe Girardi on A.J. Burnett "I thought he threw the ball well. Stamina was somewhat of an issue. His ears have been clogged. he's had a hard time breathing. That's why we only let him go five innings." As a Yankee Burnett is undefeated in April 6-0 with a 3.99 ERA. He has made 11 April starts. Teixeira is usually the opposite having terrible Aprils. He had two homeruns all of April last year well he already has two in two games this year. He changed his offseason routine to try to get off to a better start and so far it is working. Teixeira said "Just swinging more and working out a little less. I've always been a guy who hits the weights really heavy. Because of that, I've always had great second halves and stayed strong during the whole year. But I was swinging a little more this offseason and trying to get my swing right." Teixeira is the first player to hit a three-run homerun or a grand slam in his teams first two game's since 2002 when Barry Bonds was doing it for the San Francisco Giants. The Yankees have scored 16 runs in their first two games. Alex Rodriguez said the good news for them is that everyone in the lineup is swinging well. A-rod needs 16 homeruns to tie Ken Griffey Jr. for fifth on the all-time homerun list. He hit number 614 today. Derek Jeter is 72 hits from reaching the magical number 3,000 and becoming the first Yankee to do so. He is tied with Al Simmons for 35th on the all-time hits list. Mariano Rivera has saved the first two games which is the first time that has happened since 2000. Russell Martin had his first Yankees homerun. Rodriguez said he has been impressive.

Mets battle their way to a win in extra innings

The New York Mets defeated the Florida Marlins by the score of 6-4 Saturday night. Jon Niese made the start and gave up two runs in the first inning. He settled down after that and ended up pitching seven innings without giving up another run. Bobby Parnell pitched a perfect eighth inning. Francisco Rodriguez blew the save in the ninth inning and Blaine Boyer ended up with the save in the tenth inning. The Mets battled back to tie the game at two in the sixth inning and they took the lead in the ninth inning on a Josh Thole RBI single. The Mets came right back after the blown save to score three runs in the tenth inning. Willie Harris had a big two run double. Boyer didn't make it easy but he did secure the save after giving up a run, the last out was a hard shot up the middle that Reyes made a nice play on and ran to second to get the last out. The Mets and Marlins will play the rubber game of the three game series Sunday afternoon with R.A. Dickey on the mound. The Mets will have off Monday and then head to Philadelphia for three games. They would love to head their with some confidence.

Yankees pound away on the Tigers as A.J. battles

The New York Yankees won their second straight game on Saturday afternoon defeating the Detroit Tigers 10-6. The game wasn't as close as it seems. The Yankees scored three runs in the first inning and never looked back. Burnett pitched five effective innings, he was battling a bad cold and lost his stamina in the fifth inning but after giving up two runs was able to fight through it and earn the win. Mark Teixeira, Russell Martin and Alex Rodrigez all had homeruns. Texieira hit his second three run homer in as many games as he looks to have a hot start to the season for the first time in his career. A-rod also had a double as he continues to hit like he did all spring in Florida. The Yankees bullpen gave up runs late but it was Luis Ayala and Boone Logan who were just getting some work. Mariano Rivera had to pick up an easy three pitch one batter save. The Yankees will be looking for the sweep Sunday afternoon when Phil Hughes takes the mound. Hughes will go up against another young right handed pitcher in Max Scherzer. The Yankees offense will try and continue their hot start. The Yankees are notoriously slow starters and this is the first time since 2005 they are 2-0 to open the season.

Mets at Marlins Game Two

The Mets will try to avoid a losing streak. Here is  their lineup tonight at Florida.  Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Beltran, Davis, Duda, Emaus, Thole, Niese.  The Mets need more then 4 1/3 innings from the starter.  The offense was facing one of the best so I wouldn't worry about them as much.

Yanks vs. Tigers Game Two

Here is the Yankees lineup this afternoon.  Gardner, Jeter, Teixeira, Rodriguez, Cano, Swisher, Posada, Granderson, Martin.  A.J. Burnett on the mound with his first shot at forgetting last year.  He was battling a cold but should be good to go.