Yanks Out-Slug O's

It was an entertaining battle of the bats, but the Yankees came out on top with an 11-10 win over the Orioles on Monday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.

The two clubs combined for 21 runs off 29 hits, with the Orioles out-hitting New York 17-12. The Birds slapped three home-runs while the Yankees connected four times, once with the bases loaded.

As entertaining as a slugfest can be, I'd much rather see a well-pitched game, or at least have my team come out on top. Obviously, neither of those things occurred on Monday afternoon.

Brian Matusz continued to struggle, recording just four outs while surrendering five runs on five hits and two walks. Matusz still has just one win this season, and there's a strong possibility he just made his final start of 2011.

The rest of the staff didn't fare much better, surrendering six runs on seven hits, three walks and a hit batter.

The offense was amazing, but in the end it all boiled down to this...the Birds scored a run in the ninth, stole four bases in the inning and had the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position with J.J. Hardy at the plate. Hardy struck out swinging.

The Birds send Tommy Hunter to the mound on Tuesday...