The righthander went a career high eight innings, and the Yankees defeated the Cleveland Indians, 5-2.
Chamberlain (3-1) retired the first 11 batters he faced until he allowed a home run to Victor Martinez in the fourth inning. Chamberlain scattered four hits over eight innings, walking two and striking out five.
Chamberlain also made a dazzling defensive play in the fifth inning. With runners on first and second and nobody out, Chamberlain made a diving catch on a popped up bunt by Indian's catcher Kelly Shoppach. The righthander quickly got to his feet and fired to second base to get Ryan Garko for the double play.
He celebrated with a shout and a fist pump.
The Yankees took the lead in the seventh inning on a Nick Swisher double. After Indians pitcher Greg Aquino (1-1) walked the bases loaded, Swisher hit a double off the leftfield wall for a two-run double. Alex Rodriguez followed that with a single, scoring two more runners.
Aquino came in after Cleveland starter Jeremy Sowers walked the bases loaded in the sixth inning. Sowers breezed through five innings before the sixth. Aquino was able to get out of the situation.
Cleveland pitchers walked 11 total Yankees Monday night. They lead the league with 222 walks issued.
The Yankees set a major-league record by playing their 18th straight error-free game, breaking the record of 17 set by the Boston Red Sox in 2006. The last Yankee error came May 13 at Toronto when shortstop Ramiro Pena misplayed a ground ball.
The Yankees have gone 14-4 during the streak.
Box Score:
Jeter: 2-3, R
Swisher: 2-4, 2 RBI, R
Teixeira: 1-3, 2 BB
Rodriguez: 1-4, 2 RBI
Posada: 0-4
Cano: 0-4 (6 LOB)
Cabrera: 0-3
Berroa: 0-2
Matsui (PH): BB
Pena (PR): 0-1, R
Gardner: 0-2, 2 R
Chamberlain: 8 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's (66 of 106 pitches were strikes, and he set a career high in innings pitched)
Rivera (S, 11): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
My Thoughts:
1. Can This Be The Start of Swisher?
He's already off to a better pace then last month, when Swisher was miserable. The two-run double was nice, especially because it came in a clutch situation. He looked like he had some good at-bats tonight, and maybe we'll see Swisher begin to heat up with the weather.
2. Joba = Greatness
Tonight's start was, by all means, an incredible start for the young righthander. Not only did he make that nice play in the field, but he was able to be economical throughout the game. 106 pitches through eight innings isn't bad at all, and he was able to get deep into the game. I don't think we can or should come to expect this from Joba every time out, but these performances should shut down those who argue that he should be in the bullpen.
3. ESPN's Coverage Team = Not Great
As the "Worldwide Leader In Sports", I feel ESPN should be more responsible in their sports coverage. Their announcers should be knowledgeable and give insightful opinion about the team's they're covering. That's why I find it inexcusable that Steve Phillips made a mistake tonight when he said Jeter was batting first because Damon was getting the night off. He should have known that Jeter has batted leadoff all year. There's no reason to make erroneous statements, especially one as blatant as this example. Anyone could have done basic research and found out Jeter has been hitting leadoff all year. Very irresponsible journalism on Steve Phillips' part.
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