Pitching wins ball games

Pitching wins ball games. Pitching also loses ball games. Fortunately, there are 161 more games still to be played. On the plus side, with the exception of one particularly bad pitch from Phil Coke, who was otherwise pretty good, the bullpen was fairly solid. The offense was less than efficient, leaving enough men on base to make the 2007 or 2008 Yankees jealous, but the important thing on that front was the strong comeback drive over the middle portion of the game, as well as a good combination of power and manufactured runs. There are still 161 more games ahead, and it's safe (I certainly hope) to assume the starting pitching, particularly from Sabathia, will be better for many if not most of them. Our first baseman will also make himself a bit more useful on offense, I suspect, so these things will sort themselves out.

Remember the none-too-auspicious beginning for the 1998 Yankees, and don't sweat this one too much. There are 161 more games to go, and if this is to be the toughest loss we endure, then we're lucky fans indeed.