Not a very impressive outing for Ian Kennedy or for the Yankees. The Rays jumped on New York early and late making a close game turn into a blowout. Kennedy surrendered 6 runs in just 2 1/3 innings before being removed after 70 innings. LaTroy Hawkins allowed the Rays to break the game wide open allowing 6 runs in just 2/3 of an inning. Big Kyle Farnsworth, who now has respect from his manager (or so he says) looked the same as he did under Joe Torre. Hmmmm...not a really big surprise here. By the way, that is him in the picture after giving up another long ball.

The Yankees offense scored all their runs (4) in the fourth accumulating just 6 hits and 1 walk for the game. Hideki Matsui launched his first home run of the year down the right-field line. Yankees catcher Jorge Posada was the DH after missing two games with a stiff right shoulder. He was originally slated to catch but told the team during warmups he wasn’t ready. Joe Girardi was not in the dugout tonight. He is suffering from some sort of viral infection...or succumbing under the pressure of having to replace Joe Torre. Melky Cabrera began serving his suspension for the Tampa-New York brawl during spring training. Shelley Duncan is to begin serving his on Sunday.

The Yankees will try to turn things around on Saturday, sending Andy (HGH) Pettitte to the hill and the Rays will counter with Edwin Jackson. The game begins at 1:05 at the Stadium.