Joba Chamberlain continued his development from rocket-armed reliever to prized starting pitcher on Monday, guiding the Yankees to a 5-2 win over the Cleveland Indians.
Chamberlain (3-1), who the Yankees hope will become the cornerstone of their pitching rotation for the next decade, went a career-high eight innings, retiring the first 11 batters he faced.
The Tribe’s Victor Martinez broke Chamberlain’s spell by homering in the fourth inning, but the right-hander still finished with impressive figures, giving up four hits and two runs, striking out five with a couple of walks.
PHOTO: REUTERS
He also made a big defensive play in the fifth, coming off the mound and stretching out to catch Kelly Shoppach’s popped-up bunt. He then threw to second base to complete the double play.
“It was quite a belly flop is the way I’d describe it,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters. “It’s an unbelievable play. It changed the game.”
Chamberlain controlled the Indians with his fastball, big-time curveball and an effective slider pitch.
Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless ninth as New York completed a seven-game road trip with five wins and two losses.
The American League East-leading Yankees were error-free for an 18th consecutive game, a Major League record. They were also given 11 walks by the Tribe’s pitchers.
Swisher and Alex Rodriguez both drove in two runs in the key seventh inning — Swisher breaking a 1-1 tie with a double to deep left, Rodriguez making it 5-1 with a single to left.
Cleveland starter Jeremy Sowers pitched five innings before being replaced by Greg Aquino in the sixth after three consecutive walks.
Aquino escaped that jam, but was not as fortunate in the seventh. After one out, he loaded the bases on three walks.
Swisher’s double drove home two of the runners before Mark Teixeira was intentionally walked to load the bases once again.
Luis Vizcaino came on to pitch, and Rodriguez, the first batter he faced, drove in two more runs with his single.
In other games it was:
• White Sox 6, Athletics 2
• Orioles 1, Mariners 0
• Astros 4, Rockies 1
• Marlins 7, Brewers 4
• Pirates 8, Mets 5
• Reds 5, Cardinals 3
• Phillies 5, Padres 3
• Diamondbacks 3, Dodgers 2
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely