By Peter Sblendorio
For the first time in 2010 MLB season, American League teams matched up against National League teams on Friday in the start of Interleague play.
While most teams did not play their cross town rivals, there was still a number of intriguing series matchups that kicked off on Friday night.
The most glamorous matchup was between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies, two perennial postseason participants. The Phillies, who have competed in each of the last two World Series, stifled the Boston bats with great pitching from Cole Hamels, winning 5-1.
In Flushing, New York, the Yankees took the subway to Citi Field to take on the Mets. The Yankees were able to top the struggling Mets with a strong pitching performance from Javier Vazquez and clutch hitting from rookie Kevin Russo, whose first career hit drove in the two runs needed to top the Mets, 2-1. The Mets have now gone 2-8 in their last 10 games.
Lastly, California hosted a cross bay rivalry between Oakland and San Francisco. The A’s were able to top former ace Barry Zito, 6-1, thanks to superior pitching by Trevor Cahill and a strong game at the plate from outfielder Coco Crisp.
Although it has only been one day, Friday’s interleague games have caused a reason for excitement.
