Bronx, NY (Sports Network) – Russell Branyan supplied the power, belting two home runs, and Felix Hernandez resumed his dominance of the Yankees, as Seattle blanked New York, 6-0, in the opener of a three-game series.
Branyan hit a three-run blast off New York starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (9-11) in the first inning and added a solo smash in the sixth, plenty of support for Hernandez (9-10), who came into Friday’s contest having notched three consecutive complete-game wins against the Yankees.
Although he didn’t go the distance, Hernandez managed to limit New York to four hits over eight solid innings, finishing with three walks and 11 strikeouts. The right-hander has now held the Yankees to three runs in his last four outings versus the club.
Burnett allowed six runs on a season-high 12 hits in seven full frames.
New York began the day with a one-game lead over Tampa Bay in the American League East standings. The Rays play in Oakland later Friday.