Yankees Trying To Avoid Four Game Losing Streak

Entering tonight’s series finale against the Baltimore Orioles, the Yankees are the only team in baseball without a four game losing streak this season. Tonight’s starter Ivan Nova would like to keep it that way.

New York has lost three straight for the fifth time this season. The combination of rough pitching and silent bats has the Yankees off to a lackluster September.

During the three game losing streak, Phil Hughes, A.J. Burnett, and CC Sabathia have not pitched great. Burnett was decent but did not get enough run support. Sabathia failed to reach 20 wins on the season in last nights loss to the Orioles.

The bullpen has kept the team in every game of late and is becoming a strength of the team. If the offense would wake up a little bit, the Yankees would be cruising into Texas. Instead, they could be limping in if they lose once again tonight.

Yankees fans have been left scratching their heads after watching the offensive performances the past few games. How about this for disappointing numbers.

Yankees captain and shortstop Derek Jeter is hitting .200 in September. Robinson Cano and Jorge Posada have not been much better, .167 and .268 respectively. Not the type of output the Yankees need from three very important lineup pieces.

Brett Gardner is another player struggling, batting just .263 this month. Nick Swisher has batted 12 times in September and does not have a single hit.

Despite those struggles, there are a few players having good results lately. First baseman Mark Teixeira is batting .304 in 24 at bats this month but does not have a home run yet.

Centerfielder Curtis Granderson has been one of the teams hottest hitters after a horrid start to the season. Granderson is batting .318 with two home runs this month.

Lance Berkman has come off the disabled list on fire. The first baseman / designated hitter is batting .500 in 16 at bats this month including two doubles. He has struck out just once. Berkman’s ankle appears heahlthy.

The Yankees need the big names to step up. Jeter, Posada, and Cano need to pick it up and carry this Yankees lineup.

It would be nice to finish the season able to say the Yankees are the only team in baseball that has not lost four straight games.