Yankees Overwhelm Orioles, Take 1-0 Lead
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Rob Carr/Getty Images(BALTIMORE) — The first playoff game for the Baltimore Orioles in 15 years ended in smiles for the New York Yankees.
Russell Martin hit a go-ahead solo home run in the ninth inning, C.C. Sabathia came within one out of a complete game, and the Yankees grabbed a 1-0 lead in the ALDS with a 7-2 victory Sunday night.
After a 2 hour, 26 minute rain delay, both teams were locked in a pitching duel until the ninth. Russell Martin hit a drive to left off Baltimore closer Jim Johnson that just cleared the fence and gave the Yankees a 3-2 lead. New York would score four more times in the inning to put the game away.
C.C. Sabathia picked up the win for the Yankees, pitching eight and two-thirds innings, allowing only two runs while striking out seven. “Fastball command was good, worked off that,” Sabathia said. “Throwing the ball pretty good getting the corners. Tried to stay out there and make some pitches.”
The Yankees got on the board in the first with a run-scoring hit from Ichiro Suzuki, but Baltimore took the lead in the bottom of the third with a two-run single from Nate McClouth.
Jason Hammel started for the Orioles, who were making their first playoff appearance in 15 years, and gave up two runs in five and two-thirds innings.
Veteran Andy Pettite will start for the Yankees in Game 2, while Baltimore will counter with lefty We-Yin Chen.
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