But before we commemorate the offense, I figured I’d begin the blog discussing the starting pitching. Here’s what I have to say: Will the real Mark Buehrle please stand up? I’m not exactly sure what happened Sunday afternoon, but it was certainly not the Mark Buehrle that’s dominated for the past two weeks. The man got his own freaking HOLIDAY in Illinois, “Mark Buehrle Day!” His game: 4 1/3 IP, 12 H, 7 R. His command was off, and the Yankees after not hitting for a few days really seemed to take advantage of it 

But the game was far from a blowout, since CC had almost as much trouble as Buehrle. His game: 7 IP, 10 H, 5 R. The main difference was that CC was able to come back from a few shaky at bats and give the Yankees length, unlike the White Sox, who’s bullpen entered in the 5th. CC also didn’t seem to have very good command of his fastball

Besides Melky, the Yankees offense wasn’t exactly electric, but they were able to get the job done and get the run support CC needed. Jerry Hairston Jr. especially has really been a star over his past couple of starts, both defensively and offensively. In 6 AB he has 3 hits and 2 RBIs

And last but not least, THE MELK MAN DELIVERS

A little walk through of the at bats leading up to the first cycle for the Yankees in 14 years would be appropriate, no?

1st at bat: with Cano on first and Swisher on second, Melky hits the first pitch he sees from Buehrle, an 80 MPH hanging changeup for a 3 run homer, giving the Yankees an early 3-0 lead

2nd at bat: Leading off the inning, Melky takes a fastball on the outside corner for a strike, then he laced a curveball for a double

3rd at bat: With A-Rod on second and Swisher on first, Melky has his toughest at bat and his last against Buehrle. He quickly falls 0-2 swinging on two fastballs, one high and one middle of the plate. He fouls off the next two fastballs, and on the 5th pitch Buehrle tries a changeup which ended up being outside, but no matter. Melky gets a single 

4th at bat: Melky is sad to see Buehrle go. Melky sees all fastballs against Williams, the count at 1-2 before he grounds out. Still a triple away from the cycle

5th at bat: Melky sees all fastballs except a changeup for a ball in the second pitch of the AB. Melky jumps ahead 2-0, but fouls off pitch after pitch. Finally, 3-2 count, 7th pitch of the at bat, (are you on the edge of your seat?) Melky goes after a low 94 MPH fastball and hits a line drive to right field. Dye somewhat misplays it, and Melky charges into third

Well there you have it, Melky for the cycle and the Yankees for the win. If only every day could be like that…

As for tomorrow, we face the most popular man in baseball…in a blue jay uniform. Can’t wait!

Signing off for now

-Inside the Thought Bubble