The New York Yankees dropped their series opener against the Orioles on Friday night, falling 6-1 at Yankee Stadium. Baltimore starter Miguel Gonzalez shut down the Yanks' lineup, pitching seven scoreless innings and allowing just four hits. It was an ugly night at the dish, as Gonzalez had his change-up working and fanned nine New York batters. Nick Swisher struck out four times alone.
While Hiroki Kuroda certainly did not pitch his best game, he did enough to keep the Yankees in the game and competitive. Kuroda pitched into the ninth inning, allowing four runs on eight hits. The O's put together a three-run rally in the second inning, jumping ahead 3-0 for a lead they would not relinquish. A Mark Reynolds two-run shot to left did most of the damage, but J.J. Hardy also added a solo homer in the sixth.
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Curtis Granderson ended the shutout in the ninth, taking Brian Matusz deep. But the outcome was not in doubt at that point, especially after an ugly top half of the ninth by Derek Lowe. The veteran sinker baller came on with two outs in the ninth, and promptly gave up four straight hits, including another Reynolds homer.
The Orioles are now two games out in the AL East standings.
For more on the Yankees during their weekend series against the O's, visit Pinstripe Alley. For the opponent's perspective, visit Camden Chat.