CC Sabathia had himself a hell of a game on Tuesday in the Bronx. He set down the first 19 hitters he faced before allowing a single to Brendan Ryan. He also had 11 strikeouts through six innings, including seven in a row. Sabathia was pulled after walking the bases loaded to start the eighth. He’d end up finishing with 14 strikeouts in seven innings, while allowing three hits and one earned run. He’s making a bid for the AL Cy Young award, with his 2.56 ERA and 15 wins (not even at the end of July). Sabathia could conceivably have 20 wins by the end of August, and even though we all know how devalued the pitcher win is, it would be pretty amazing to see a guy rack up 23 or 24 of them in a single season while having a grear ERA.
It’s also worth nothing that Doug Fister took the loss in this game to drop his record to 3-12. He allowed three runs in seven innings while walking one and striking out five. Ryan’s single in the seventh was the sole hit for the pathetic Mariners offense. Even Dustin Ackley couldn’t save them last night.
Around the League…Mitch Maier pitched for the Royals in a game that didn’t end up being a blowout…the Twins rallied to beat the Rangers after Neftali Feliz collapsed…the Mets moved to over .500…the Braves and Pirates may still be playing in Atlanta, and all it cost the Braves was Brian McCann
What to Watch…Paul Maholm vs Jair Jurrjens in Atlanta…Tim Lincecum vs Cole Hamels in Philly…Ian Kennedy vs Cory Luebke in San Diego…James Shields vs Trevor Cahill in Oakland
