Even with the Yankees flying higher than they have in any season since 1998, the average pessimistic fan could be forgiven for their uneasy thoughts about the scheduled matchup on Tuesday night. New York would be starting a pitcher in JP Sears who’s spent most of his time in the minor leagues, and they would have to handle Oakland’s Frankie Montas — perhaps the lone All-Star on the A’s roster.
Although Montas outpitched Sears by some measures, the Yankees were able to scratch out two runs early and held on during a ninth-inning rally off of Clay Holmes for the 2-1 win.