Well, I set myself up for disappointment tonight. I made dinner/drinks plans centered around watching the game, and all I got out of it was a lost appetite and 3 martinis. Oh, and the indigestion that followed.

Brandon Morrow shut the Yanks’ offense down over 7 innings of solid work, Edwin Encarnacion was 3-for-4 with 3 RBI, and Brett Lawrie got all Aggro with a 2-run HR off Ivan Nova. Overall, tonight was a pretty poor showing from the Yanks – pitching and offense – especially since there was an opportunity to increase the AL East lead to 2 games over the resting O’s and reduce the magic number (for the division) to 5.

Whenever the Yanks lose to the Jays, I think of the moment pictured below. This is my pooch (and best friend) Prince about to utterly destroy a Las Vegas 51s souvenir ball. The 51s are the current AAA affiliate of the Blue Jays. Good boy, Prince.

I hope that was as cathartic for you as it was for me.

From the Department of OPTIMISM (YEAH!): Robinson Cano continued to show that he is getting back on track, posting a 3-for-4 on the night, including his 44th 2B of the season. He is back at .300 after a pretty rough slump. Russell Martin was 2-for-4, and provided a 2B as well. Those were really the only bright spots on a night where the offense looked totally flat. Ivan Nova essentially pitched his way out of a postseason roster spot, failing to complete 5 innings for the second straight start. With the game out of reach in the Bottom of the 8th, we got our first glimpse of David Aardsma. While the velocity looked okay, the results were less than stellar, as David allowed a HR to J.P. Arencibia in an inning of work.

I’ll be looking for a bounce back tomorrow night as the Yanks send Hiroki Kuroda to the mound against rookie Chad Jenkins. While the Yanks don’t always seem to fare very well when facing a pitcher for the first time, I’m hoping that Hiroki can silence the Blue Jays’ bats for long enough that the offense will be able to wear down the young’n and get to the Jays’ mediocre pen.

My apologies for the abbreviated game recap and analysis, but I’m sure you understand that it’s rational for me to be reticent after such a loss. If you don’t, just look at the picture of Prince again. You’ll feel better. Promise. Enjoy, folks.