Yankees Cruise Past Nationals 7-2

The Yankees (38-25) came into Washington and handled the NL East leading Nationals (38-24) easily beating them 7-2. Phil Hughes outpitched Nationals star Gio Gonzalez. Hughes pitched six innings gave up one run on six hits and struck out nine. Gonzalez also went six gave up three runs on five hits and struck out eight. The win puts Hughes at 7-5.

The game was cruising along until the third inning when the Yankees were able to manufacture a couple runs off of Gonzalez. Derek Jeter doubled and Mark Teixeira walked which led to an Alex Rodriguez RBI single scoring Jeter. Nick Swisher followed with an RBI single scoring Teixeira putting the Yankees up 2-0 however Alex Rodriguez was thrown out going to third.

In the bottom half of the third the Nationals put one on the board when Michael Morse singled with the bases loaded making the score 2-0.

In the seventh inning the Yankees blew the game open. Andruw Jones singled off of Gonzalez. Brad Lidge then relived Gonzalez. Russell Martin walked, Robinson Cano then pinch hit for Hughes and was intentionally walked loading the bases for Derek Jeter. Jeter hit an infield single scoring a run and another scored on the Ian Desmond throwing error making the score 4-1. The Yankees weren’t done in the inning. After Mike Gonzalez relived Lidge the first batter Curtis Granderson doubled scoring two more making the score 6-1.

In the ninth inning Granderson hit a solo home run off of Tom Gorzelanny. It was Granderson’s 20^th home run of the season and his three RBIs on the night put him at 39.

The Yankees play the Nationals again Saturday afternoon. Andy Pettitte (3-2 2.81) starts for the Yankees while Jordan Zimmerman (3-5 2.91) goes for the Nationals. Pregame starts at 12:30, first pitch at 1:05 right here on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio