Yankees' Unlikely Heroes

The Yankees led off with frustration and finished with fun at the Stadium Friday night. Phil Hughes took the mound and consistently flashed erratic command. The not-ready-for-prime-time phenom produced: 5 IP/6 hits/4 walks/3 runs. The bullpen was warming in the fourth. Disaster was at the door.

Minnesota's pitching provided the Yankees ample opportunity to put crooked numbers on the board. Ten walks were issued, despite the generous presence of a pitcher friendly home plate ump. Ineptness with runners in scoring position was a recurrent theme. The stage was set for a numbing loss.

Scouting reports suggest that Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner are best suited for the pine. "Fourth outfielder" is the prevalent moniker used to describe the Yankees' competing center fielders. Cabrera and Gardner defied conventional wisdom while pumping up the Bombers with an offensive onslaught. Gardner's over-the-top speed torched the bases for an inside the park homer and triple. Cabrera provided a walk off win with a two out clutch hit off an elite closer. Frustration morphed to joy. The Yankees danced in the Bronx thanks to two unlikely heroes.