All Things Bubba

September 27, 2005: Baltimore 17, N.Y. Yankees 9

This game was maddening. We were neck and neck with Boston, and really needed the win. It was not to be. Baltimore had nothing left to play for but pride, but they refused to roll over. They quickly touched up Moose for five runs, sending him to an early shower in the 2nd inning.

The Yanks battled back and took the lead, but it was short-lived. Al Leiter, serving as long man out of the pen, gave up three runs. Scott Proctor later gave up four, while recording only one out; Tanyon Sturtze gave up another four.

Bubba started in right field. He went 0 for 2 with a walk and a run scored. He was very solid in the outfield. I particularly liked this play, where he had to chase down a ball that caromed off the scoreboard.

His first at-bat, in the 2nd, he swung at the first pitch and grounded into a fielder's choice. He got to 1B, but Bernie was out at 2B. Jeter moved him over to 2B with a single, but A-Rod struck out to end the inning.


His second at-bat was in the 4th inning. Bernie was on 1B again. Bubba showed good patience at the plate, working a walk in six pitches. Jeter and A-Rod struck out looking, but Giambi also worked a walk, then Gary Sheffield hit a grand slam.


Bubba waits for Sheff, along with Bernie and Giambi.


Bubba's third at-bat came in the 5th. Once again, he swung at the first pitch. He hit it hard, but unfortunately, right at Gomez. Inning-ending lineout.

Bubba walking back down the line after Gomez caught the ball:


I'm not sure what happened to his batting helmet. Maybe he threw it in disgust.

In the 8th inning, with the Yanks down 8-13, Torre decided to pinch-hit for Bubba. He put Ruben Sierra in. You know, the guy who was batting .143 for the month. While Bubba was batting .321. Sierra struck out looking on three pitches. Yeah, Bubba couldn't do that.

All in all, not a great night for the Yankees or Bubba, but it had its moments.