The hitting returns

After getting two-hit by Roy Halladay last night, the Yankees scored nine runs and pounded out 11 hits to beat Jesse Litsch and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Derek Jeter led off with his 200th career home run. However, the Blue Jays would score four runs in the bottom of the first against Darrell Rasner who has been struggling after his May success.

The Yankees would then score eight runs in the next three innings to give them a comfortable 9-4 victory. Included in that outburst was Alex Rodriguez's 537th career home run, passing Mickey Mantle.

Rasner won his first start since June 18, going five innings and allowing four earned runs. He struck out six and walked one, throwing 108 pitches. The bullpen threw four scoreless innings and allowed only one baserunner (a walk by Kyle Farnsworth).

Brett Gardner went 2-2 with three RBI, two runs scored and two walks. He has struggled since being called up, so hopefully this can get him going. Melky Cabrera, Rodriguez and Jeter also had two hits apiece.

Jason Giambi's struggles have seemingly gone unnoticed in the wake of his All-Star bid. He has one hit in his last 22 at-bats with no home runs and two RBI.

Andy Pettitte and A.J. Burnett will square off in tomorrow afternoon's rubber game.

After the game, many Yankees players reflected on Bobby Murcer's passing. Manager Joe Girardi cried during his postgame comments and many others very visibly shaken.

(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Aaron Harris)

Bobby Murcer has died

It was just announced on the postgame that Bobby Murcer has lost his battle with brain cancer. he was 62.

Murcer has been a member of the Yankee family for years and will most certainly be missed. He was recently doing a book tour and was supposed to be in the booth when the Yankees were in Houston, but various health issues forced him to stay home.

It's very sad to know that we will never be able to hear his voice in the booth again.

Rest in peace, Mr. Murcer.

Murcer update

The Yankees released a statement updating Bobby Murcer's cancer recovery:

The cancer treatment over the last 18 months has been intensive and has, as a side effect, somewhat compromised his immune system and made the fight all the more challenging. While he has shown some measured improvement in recent days, this is clearly a major battle, as all who have been through it understand.

All the best to Mr. Murcer and his family. Hopefully we'll get to hear his voice in the broadcast booth as soon as possible.

Murcer biopsy negative

Ed Price relays a report from Michael Kay, saying that Bobby Murcer's biopsy showed necrosis (scar tissue) and not another malignant brain tumor.

This is wonderful news, and hopefully he won't have another scare like this in the future.

Murcer update

Bobby Murcer went in for a brain biopsy today. His wife updated the Yankees, via Peter Abraham.

“Bobby is doing great and is resting comfortably after this morning’s biopsy. He could be released as early as tomorrow. Results won’t be available until later this week.”

Hope for the best, Yankee fans.

Murcer to undergo brain biopsy

Bobby Murcer is set to undergo a brain biopsy on Monday after an MRI result concerned his doctors.

From Bill Madden via RAB:

"Please pray that it will be determined to be necrosis (scar tissue from the radiation), and not another cancerous tumor,” Kay [Murcer] wrote in her e-mail. “It’s one of the two.”
...

“I’ve gotta go back to Houston on Monday for more tests, which means I’m going to have to miss the first two spring training games,” Murcer said. “I still hope to be in Tampa in time for the third game (on March 7) and I’m still planning on doing my full schedule of games for the regular season.”

My thoughts are with the Murcer family during this tough time.