CC, A-Rod power Yankees to victory

When Alex Rodriguez hit a three-run home run on the first pitch he saw since coming back from the disabled list, I thought he would be the story of the night.  However, that’s why they play nine innings.

And that’s exactly what CC Sabathia did tonight.

Yup, he pitched a complete game shutout, striking out the side in the ninth inning and throwing 112 pitches, in the Yankees’ 4-0 victory that snapped their five-game losing streak.  He struck out eight and allowed four hits (with two of those coming in the ninth inning).  He also retired 16 batters in a row at one point.  Oh yeah, Sabathia was throwing to Francisco Cervelli, who was making his first start. 

Sabathia gave the Yankees exactly what they needed, and then some.  The bullpen’s performance has been nonexistent for the better part of this season, so he did his best to make them even more nonexistent tonight.  This is why he’s the highest-paid pitcher in the game.

John Sterling called Rodriguez’s first-inning home run a “phenomenal sports moment.”  Relax, pal.

The Yankees, now 14-15, send Phil Hughes to the mound tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m.

AP Photo