Yanks Fall To Mariners In Pettitte’s Return

The Yankees (19-15) couldn’t get anything going offensively for Andy Pettitte in his return start, losing 6-2 to the Seattle Mariners (16-20) on Sunday afternoon. Pettitte in his comeback to the big leagues made his first start since October 18^th, 2010 in the ALCS against the Texas Rangers.

Despite getting the loss, Pettitte did not pitch too badly. He threw 94 pitches in 6 1/3 innings gave up four runs on seven hits and struck out two.  The Yankees however could not provide Pettitte with any run support. Mariners veteran starter Kevin Millwood threw seven innings gave up three hits and one run, striking out six.

The Yankees had their chances loading the bases twice in the game but only scored one run each time coming from bases loaded walks.  In the fifth inning Mark Teixeira singled, Nick Swisher singled and Raul Ibanez walked loading the bases, and Russell Martin walked bringing in a run, Derek Jeter then grounded into a double play ending the inning. In the eighth inning Robinson Cano walked in a run with two outs, which was followed by a Mark Teixeira strikeout.

The four runs the Mariners scored off Pettitte came off a pair of two run home runs. The first one came in the top of the fourth inning from first basemen Justin Smoak; it was his fourth of the year. Casper Wells lined an opposite field home run off of the right field foul pole in the sixth, his first home run of the season. The Mariners added two more in the eighth inning thanks to a bases loaded infield single from Casper Wells scoring one run, Clay Rapada threw the ball away during the play allowing another run to score.

The Yankees will play again Monday starting a two game series against the Baltimore Orioles. Ivan Nova (4-1 5.02) starts for the Yankees, Jason Hammel (4-1 2.09) will go for the Orioles. Pregame starts at 6:30, first pitch at 7:05 right here on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.