Pitt-y-ful

The Yankees feel good celebration after Wednesday afternoon's win against the Rays last barely more than 24 hours. The Yankees no punch offense let down Mike Mussina as the Yankees dropped a 4-2 decision to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The game, which was a make up of June 26's rain out, allowed the Pirates took take 2 of 3 in the weather extended series. Mussina was excellent again, allowing 2 runs in 6 innings before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the 7th. With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 7th, Jose Veras issued a lead off walk to Jack Wilson and Nate McClouth followed with a go ahead 2-run home run. It was the 18th home run of the year for the first time All-Star.

The Yankees brought the tying run to the plate against Damaso Marte in the 9th when Justin Christian drew a one out walk. But pinch-hitter Jason Giambi flew out on a 3-2 pitch and Derek Jeter grounded out to first.

Mussina is now 5-2 with 2 no decisions in his last 9 starts and has posted a 3.16 ERA. With some run support he could have been seriously making a run at 20 wins this season. Mussina was the pitch of record during June's washout when the Yankees had a 3-1 lead before rain made the game unplayable. He allowed an RBI single to Freddy Sanchez in the 3rd and Sanchez also brought home a run with a sac fly in the 5th. The second run could have been avoided had the Yankees successfully turned a double play, but Jorge Posada, playing 1st base, couldn't hold on to Derek Jeter's throw.

Trailing 2-0 with 2 outs in the to of the 7th, Christian singled off Pirates starter Paul Maholm. Wilson Betemit, pinch-hitting for Mussina, singled back up the middle, and Jeter walked to load the bases. Wednesday's hero, Bobby Abreu, came through again, singling to right field to tie the game. Alex Rodriguez had a chance to put the Yankees ahead, but hit into a fielder's choice to end the inning.


News and Notes

Dave Robertson continues to impress out of the pen. He retired the Pirates in order in the 8th and recorded a pair of strikeouts in the process.

Damaso Marte has now recorded four saves in six chances and is among the targets the Yankees are looking at. Marte was originally in the Yankees system before being traded for Enrique Wilson.

Pirates manager batted pitcher Paul Maholm in the 8th spot. It didn't work out too well as Maholm struck out three times. The number 9 hitter, Jack Wilson, had 2 hits and scored 2 runs.

Ed Price of the Star Ledger reports that Jorge Posada is chomping at the bit to get back behind the plate after starting at 1st base last night.

"I like to catch. Okay?" Posada said. "I'm in the lineup and I'm happy that I'm in the lineup, but I like to catch. I'm a catcher. I'm not a first baseman and I'm not a DH. I like to catch, so I'm looking forward to catching (today)."

Posada is scheduled to catch 2 of the 3 games in Toronto this weekend.