Nov 1
RHP Phil Hughes was given a prime opportunity to turn things around as manager Joe Girardi said he expected him to be able to do, but he gave up a home run to Carlos Ruiz and prompted Girardi to go to closer Mariano Rivera in a non-save situation. Girardi ideally would have wanted to avoid using Rivera after he threw 40 pitches in Game 2, but he took no chances with the Yankees still up three and one out and no one on in the ninth. Rivera at least pitched efficiently, needing just eight pitches to record the final two outs. He said he was not surprised to be called on despite the big cushion and said he was ready. Girardi has said he doesn't expect to use Rivera for six-out saves over the weekend, and having to warm up and use Rivera in Game 3 is likely to get him to stick to that plan for Game 4, at least.
