In his first game off the disabled list, Masahiro Tanaka pitched seven very strong innings of one-run ball and got some offensive help from two sluggers as the New York Yankees (29-25) defeated the Seattle Mariners (24-29) 3-1 Wednesday afternoon at Safeco Field.
Tanaka (W: 3-1, 2.76 ERA), fresh off the disabled list as he recovered from a right forearm strain that sidelined him in late April, shined in his first game back. The Yankees' ace scattered three hits over seven innings while walking no one and striking out nine. His fastball reached the mid-90s, which is a very good sign that he is getting healthier as he continues to pitch after partially tearing the UCL in his right elbow last season. He threw 78 pitches for an average of 11.14 pitches per inning, a very efficient total.
Chris Capuano got one man out and gave up a hit in the eighth before giving way to Andrew Miller (S: 17), who got into and out of a bases-loaded jam in the same inning. Miller got a strikeout and a groundout to end the Mariners' threat before pitching a one-hit ninth to save it for Tanaka.
In converting this save opportunity, Miller set a club record for successfully converting his first 17 chances.
New York scored all three runs via the long ball. Mark Teixeira just barely reached the right-field bleachers for a solo shot (16) to put the Yankees up 1-0 in the top of the second.
In the fourth, Garrett Jones left no doubt where his ball was going (video). His two-run home run (3) scored Alex Rodriguez, who led off with a walk, ahead of him and put the Yankees up 3-1, which ended up the final score.
Seattle scored its lone run on Dustin Ackley's RBI single in the bottom of the third, driving in Brad Miller, who led off the inning with a triple.
Taijuan Walker (L: 2-6, 5.80) had a fine outing overall, but he took the loss. Walker served up both home runs as two of the five hits he allowed over his eight innings of work. He totaled three runs, all earned, while walking one and striking out seven.
Also of note, Yankees catcher Brian McCann left the game in the second inning after taking an awkward step out of the batter's box (video). McCann injured his right foot on the swing and jogged gingerly down the line as he grounded out. He had an MRI, and the Yankees are awaiting the results.
On Thursday, the Mariners welcome the Tampa Bay Rays to Safeco Field to open a four-game series. The Yankees have Thursday off and then return home Friday night to host the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend.
