Yankees win 2-1, take Game 1

After a brilliant pitching performance by Javier Vazquez and two clutch hits by the rookie, Kevin Russo, the Yankees beat the Mets 2-1 in the Subway Series opener, despite a great performance by Mets first-time starter Hisanori Takahashi.

New York Yankees - 2 (26-16), New York Mets - 1 (20-23)
W - Javier Vazquez (3-4)
L - Elmer Dessens (0-1)
SV - Mariano Rivera (8)
RBI - Kevin Russo (2)

The storyline of tonight's game was Vazquez's pitching. Through 6 innings, Javy gave up 1 hit, and had 6 K's before leaving the game with a bruised finger after being hit on the hand while bunting. Earlier in the game, Kevin Russo knocked his first major league hit, setting the tone for further success from the rookie. Going into the 7th inning, with the game still scoreless, Kevin Russo came up and smacked a double, scoring Nick Swisher and Francisco Cervelli to give the Yanks a 2-0 lead. The Yankees were able to hold on. David Robertson relieved Vazquez, and was followed by a strong performance from Joba Chamberlain en route to Mariano Rivera in the 9th. However, Rivera had another shaky outing. After retiring the first two batters of the inning, Rivera gave up a double to Jason Bay, followed by another double by the rookie Ike Davis. Bay scored, making the game 2-1. Up came David Wright, with a man on second and the game on the line. No matter, he grounded out to Cano, 4-3, to end the game with the Yankees on top 2-1. Congratulations to Vazquez and Russo on their big games. Be sure to tune in tomorrow as the two teams face off again, Phil Hughes for the Yanks (5-0 2.25) vs Mike Pelfrey of the Mets (5-1, 3.02) at 7:05 PM.

Positive notes:
During the telecast it was mentioned that Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson will begin a rehab assignment starting tomorrow with the AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees. It was also stated that he would be returning to the Yankees by the end of the week, a.k.a. Memorial Day Weekend (Which is the game I have tickets for! :] )

photo credit: New York Daily News

Final Scores:

BASKETBALL

No Games

HOCKEY

Chicago Blackhawks - 3, San Jose Sharks - 2
CHI takes 3-0 series lead, wins in overtime.
GOALS:
(SJ)
- Patrick Marleau (6) (Power Play)
Assists: Joe Pavelski, Dan Boyle.
- Patrick Marleau (7)
Assists: Dany Heatley, Dan Boyle
(CHI)
- Patrick Sharp (7) (Power Play)
Assists: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane.
- Dave Bolland (4)
Assists: Jonathan Toews.
- Dustin Byfuglien (7)
Assists: Dave Bolland, Brian Campbell