By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com NEW YORK -- Kevin Russo collected his first Major League RBIs with a two-run double in the seventh inning and Javier Vazquez hurled six one-hit frames as the Yankees defeated the Mets, 2-1, in Friday's Subway Series opener at Citi Field. A rookie utility man who has been working on outfield play in the Minor Leagues, Russo found his name in the starting lineup and was able to contribute, notching two hits -- including the tiebreaking knock off Elmer Dessens -- finding safety down the right-field line. The Yankees had the benefit of Vazquez's sharpest start of the season but then held their breath when he was lifted after six innings with an apparent injury following a sacrifice bunt in the seventh. Making his first start since May 12 -- and his first appearance since a one-batter relief victory on Monday against the Red Sox -- Vazquez held the Mets hitless into the fifth inning, when Angel Pagan blooped a one-out single into shallow center field. The Yankees were turned away through six innings by left-hander Hisanori Takahashi in the lefty's first Major League start, scattering five hits with a walk and five strikeouts, and coming away empty twice with runners at second and third and one out. Francisco Cervelli opened the third inning with a walk and went to third on Russo's first big league hit, a single, but Takahashi evaded trouble after a sacrifice. In the fourth, Alex Rodriguez singled and Robinson Cano doubled, but Takahashi again got out of trouble. Down to their last out, the Mets received a double off the left-field wall from Jason Bay and an RBI double from Ike Davis, but David Wright made the final out against Mariano Rivera.
About time Javy started pitching well. He's had back to back good starts after a whole slew of miserable ones, so hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
Javier looked good but I'm not totally convinced because he was pitching in a National league park in a National league game.
Regardless, it was still a step in the right direction. He's actually had back to back good starts now, so hopefully he keeps things going. I wouldn't be shocked if the wheels fell off relatively quickly, but I'm just trying to be optimistic.
Vazquez is pure garbage. I have no idea why the Skanks went after him in the first place. He's an NL pitcher.
