As I predicted (once in a while a blind squirrel finds a nut), the Yankees took two of three from rival Baltimore in a big series considering that Andy Pettitte's start was pushed back due to back spasms.  Here is how New York did it.  

Hiroki Kuroda.  This guy continues to amaze.  Last year he was great and this year he hasn't missed a beat.  Kuroda pitched a complete game shutout on Sunday night and didn't allow an Oriole base runner past first base until the 9th inning.  He is now 12-7 with a 2.65 ERA at Yankee Stadium.  Kuroda's production has been even more important the last two years because of Pettitte's health and the unknown starts from Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova.

Timely hitting and manufacturing runs.  The Yanks didn't do one or the other in abundance on Friday and Sunday, both wins.  New York did both at the right times, unlike several series last year where it was home run or bust.  This is how it will have to be if they are to make the playoffs.  A balanced offense will go a long way.

Now an April series with Arizona.  Weird.  Thanks MLB.  I will have a series preview later today.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike," 1-4, host of Yankees pre/post game on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter @MikeLSports.  

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