Yankees' Manager Piniella's Strategy Pays Off with 5-2 Victory Over Mariners

Strategic Insights -

Lou Piniella's decision to start left-hander John Cummings against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Sunday paid off in a big way, as the Yankees erupted for five runs in the sixth inning to secure a 5-2 victory. Piniella's strategy was reminiscent of his days as a player, when teams would often pitch left-handers against the Yankees to exploit their potent left-handed hitting.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Yankees have a 35-18 record in games started by right-handers, but only a 12-12 record in games started by left-handers.
  • Manager Buck Showalter often benches his best left-handed hitters in games started by left-handers, which may contribute to the team's poor record against left-handers.
  • Paul O'Neill, a left-handed hitter, has started against only half of the left-handers the Yankees have seen this season, and had a crucial three-run home run against Cummings in the sixth inning.
  • O'Neill has improved his record against left-handers to a .291 batting average, 3 home runs, and 17 runs batted in, and hopes to continue to improve his performance against them as the season progresses.
  • The Yankees made some pitching moves yesterday, including sending Sterling Hitchcock to Class AAA Columbus, signing Greg A. Harris as a free agent, and releasing Sam Militello from the organization.

Statistics:

  • The Yankees have a 35-18 record in games started by right-handers.
  • The Yankees have a 12-12 record in games started by left-handers.
  • Paul O'Neill has a .291 batting average against left-handers, with 3 home runs and 17 runs batted in.
  • The Yankees' starting lineup yesterday consisted of 4 left-handers (Bernie Williams, Jim Leyritz, Danny Tartabull, and Paul O'Neill).
  • Right-hander Melido Perez gave up 4 runs (3 earned) over 6.2 innings of work, earning his 7th victory of the season.

Sources:

  • Piniella, Lou. Interview with The New York Times, July [no date given].
  • Showalter, Buck. Interview with The New York Times, July [no date given].
  • O'Neill, Paul. Interview with The New York Times, July [no date given].
  • News Report, The New York Times, July 28, 1996, pp. 1-3.