Sabathia and A-Rod Ignite Yankees

With his team in danger of losing momentum in the American League Championship Series, CC Sabathia took the mound on just three days rest and allowed only one run over eight innings of work. He was simply dominant as the Yankees cruised to a 10-1 victory and a commanding 3-1 series lead.

In the top of the fourth with the bases loaded and one out, Melky Cabrera ended the Yankees 0 for 26 hitless streak with runners in scoring position (RISP). Later on, Alex Rodriguez added his fifth home run of the post season moving him to within one of Bernie Williams’ Yankees single post season record of six.

Pitching with a lead CC Sabathia didn’t let up. As the game went into the seventh he seemed even more in control of his command and location than he was earlier. In two ALCS games he has thrown 16 innings and allowed just two runs, striking out 20 and walking only 4.

A-Rod’s critics have labeled him “Mr. April”, a dig at his past post season failures and until this year Sabathia’s naysayers wondered aloud whether he would ever perform in the playoffs like he does in the regular season. Against the Angels both players not only silenced their critics but are now battling each other for the ALCS MVP award.