The Cleveland Indians' Justin Masterson was able to keep Derek Jeter out of the hit column until the eighth inning when the star shortstop doubled to deep right field, moving to 2,997 career hits. But more importantly for the Indians, Masterson was able to keep the Yankees from scoring for the first eight innings of the game, helping the team to an eventual 5-3 win.
Yankees Vs. Indians Final Score: Derek Jeter Moves Closer To 3,000 Hits, But New York Loses, 5-3
Masterson allowed just three hits and struck out six before he gave way to the bullpen in the top of the ninth. Vinnie Pestano wasn't nearly as good as Masterson. Back-to-back singles by Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano set up Nick Swisher for an RBI double. Chris Perez then entered the game for Pestano, looking to end the game with no other damage done. But back-to-back ground outs by Jorge Posada and Russell Martin put two more runs on the board. However, Brett Gardner struck out to end the game.
Phil Hughes returned to the mound for the Yankees for the first time since April and pitched strongly for five innings. After using 30-plus pitches and allowing two runs in the first inning, Hughes settled down and put zeros on the board before leaving after the fifth inning. Boone Logan and Sergio Mitre combined to allow the final three Indians runs, one on a Lonnie Chisenhall homer in the seventh and two in the eighth on a bases-loaded walk and a sac fly.
Derek Jeter returns home to Yankee Stadium on Thursday in pursuit of his 3,000th career hit.
For more on the Yankees, check out Pinstripe Alley and SB Nation New York. Head over to Let’s Go Tribe and SB Nation Cleveland for more on the Indians.
See More:
