Andy Pettitte still the same Andy as Tex proves his value

Espn.com

Last night the New York Yankees beat the Seattle Mariners 4 to 2 as Andy Pettitte allowed only 2 earned runs through six innings as he struck out ten batters in another impressive outing. The game was capped off in the 9th inning by a huge Mark Teixeira home run to right field and a big RBI single by Nick Swisher that scored Robinson Cano.

Pettitte once again had pinpoint control although he struggled a little in the beginning with getting the ball down he still managed to prove why he is still an elite pitcher. He settled down and kept the Mariner hitters at bay all night. As though it seemed in the first inning that he would have an early exit to the showers he relaxed and threw a gem.

Mark Teixeira hit his 30th home run of his first season as a New York Yankee since signing the big contract. He is such an upgrade from what they had last year not to knock Jason Giambi but Mark Teixeria might be one of the greatest all around players in the game today. He has put the team on his back in a lot of spots this season coming through in many games. Tex is on his way to an MVP season if you have seen the Yankees this season you will understand just how valuable the man is and how much the Red Sox lost by not signing him.

The Yankees bullpen was dominant last night as Brian Bruney, Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera together were again on there a game. Time and time again Mariano has been the man since his move to the bullpen many years ago. He closed out his 34th save of the season last night and didn't allow a hit to shut down the Mariners. The bullpen is anchored by Rivera but has definitely started to pull itself together as Phil Hughes has found his calling as a set up guy.

Girardi has to show more confidence in Hughes and start to let him prove what he can do in trouble. The more reliable you make your relievers the better you make Rivera as he will have a lot of stress taken off of him.

Ichiro Suzuki was 2 for 4 on the night as he continues his legendary hitting and is trying to make things happen out of the lead off spot. When you see the things he does as a hitter it is like a fish to water the guy finds ways to put the ball in play off anyone.

This is his 9th season and the man has already almost reached the 2000 hit mark. It would be huge if he somehow made his way onto a contending team one year unless Seattle gets there things together.

Ken Griffey Jr was 1 for 3 with an RBI and a walk but left 3 crucial runners on base during the night. All night it seemed as if anyone could blow the ball by Jr as he kept swinging out of his cleats. You could see that he was putting all he had into his cuts at the plate but just could not catch up to the fastball anymore.

Phil Hughes was just placing fastball after fastball down the middle of the plate which would be a huge mistake years ago. Granted Hughes throws hard but Ken Griffey Jr is not the same player anymore.

Russell Branyan was 0 for 3 with 2 k's a walk and left 4 runners on base. Branyan is a powerhouse he hasn't put up superstar numbers, but you know that he will make you pay anytime you leave one out over the plate. Seattle his is 8th different team as he hopes to find his permanent home.

It was an overall good night for the New York Yankees as they are still up 6 and a half games in the American League East Division as the Boston Red Sox also won last night. The Seattle Mariners on the other hand suffered another heart breaking defeat in a season only going downhill as they are stranded with numerous questions.