Consider this scenario: The traditional favorites New York Yankees are facing the the lowly Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium. Going for the Yanks is future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Pitching for Tampa Bay? Hideo Nomo whose ERA is higher than the sun and just gave up 8 runs in 2 innings in his last start. To top it off, New York is just coming off a huge 19-8 defeat of Tampa Bay the day before.
A certain recipe for victory for NY?
Wrong!
Hideo managed to hold the Yanks to one run in 5 2/3 innings for his second win of the season. Johnson, on the other hand, was lit up for 6 runs in 7 1/3 innings thanks in part to Eduardo Perez’ 2 HRs.
After his fantastic night, ARod was 0 for 4 with 3 LOB.
Who knows? I may be wrong about Nomo. This is his second start this season where he’s only given up one run.