The Yankees had the postseason in mind when they gave Sabathia the largest contract of any pitcher, believing he would come through with big performances when it counted the most. The ace did not disappoint on Wednesday, pitching into the seventh inning as the Yankees defeated the Twins, 7-2, in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.
"This is what you come here for -- to have a chance to win and pitching in the postseason, playing in October," said Sabathia, the first winning pitcher in a playoff game at the new Stadium. "It was electric tonight. It felt good. I had a lot of fun out there."
Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui hit two-run homers for the Yankees, who also received the benefit of run-scoring hits from Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher to take an early advantage in the best-of-five series against Minnesota, a club against whom New York was 7-0 in the regular season.
Trusting that his offense would arrive, Sabathia struck out eight and walked none in his sixth career postseason start. The left-hander exited after 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) and scattering eight hits before leaning on his efficient bullpen.
"That's what we envisioned when we signed him -- CC would be pitching in late October and November," said Joe Girardi, a winner in his first game as a postseason manager. "It was the reason we got him. We thought that he could lead this staff and be the ace of this staff, and that's what he has been for us."
I have no excuses for the Sox losing their first two. They just cannot manage to create runs...only 1 run in the first two games is not acceptable. Pitching has been solid, but not game controlling. Let's hope they pull it together for these next 2 home games.
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