Burnett pitched another Gem last night allowing only 2 runs despite giving up 7 hits and walking 4 in 6 1/3 innings pitched. It’s his third victory in as many starts as the Yankees won their second straight on the worst field in baseball: the Metrodome.

The Gem was is the results not in his stuff because it wasn’t Burnett’s best. He wasn’t dominating batters, or delivering 1-2-3 innings. He was walking guys and loading the bases, making more work for himself than was necessary. He gave up quite a few hits and walked more than he should have but none of that mattered in the end. What was most important about Burnett’s start was his toughness, i.e. striking out Michael Cuddyer with the bases load in the 5^th, enticing his swing with an out of the zone curveball.

Squeezing out a victory on Wednesday was perhaps more valuable than a complete game shut-out—it showed the Yankees and the fans that they can count on AJ Burnett to muscle out a victory when needed. Anyone can get a victory when their rolling and each pitch is popping and breaking but it takes a great pitcher to find a way to win when they’re not throwing their best stuff, and Burnett did that Wednesday night for the Yankees.

The Yankees continued to win as a team with every player in the starting line-up, except Damon, getting a hit. At the moment there are no holes in the line-up making it tough for many starting pitchers to catch a break when facing the Yanks.

In fact, the end of the line-up is where the offensive stud of the past two nights has hit. Brett Gardner once again showed Girardi, his teammates and the fans why he should be the everyday Yankee center fielder and one day pretty soon, the leadoff man. Gardner came up with a 2-run single in the top of the second inning, scoring Cano and Posada, giving the Yankees an early lead—something that was a rare sight two months ago.

Thursday’s afternoon game features Alfredo Aceves making his 5th career starts. He has had a short but successful career as a starter going 1-0 with a 2.74ERA in those 4 starts. If you pair that with his stats so far this season as a reliever; 5-1 with a 2.03 ERA, I think it’s safe to expect a good outing today. Especially since he’s facing a pretty poor pitcher in Francisco Liriano (4-8, 5.49 ERA).

With Wang out again I’m surprised they didn’t go with Hughes, but they seem to like him in the bullpen. Hughes wasn’t even considered for this start, it was between Aceves and minor leaguer Sergio Mitre. With and extended break because of the All-Star game right around the corner I have to say I’m happy with Girardi’s choice. I’ve loved how Aceves has looked as a mid reliever so far this season and I said during spring training that everyone should keep and eye on him come the regular season: get your eyes ready as this may be a big spot considering Wang’s injury

It would be really nice for the Yankees to complete the sweep this afternoon so that they can go into LA, where they often don’t play well, with a little bit of swag and win a couple. If Aceves can get the Yankees to the 6^th or later and the bats keep working it then I see no problem with thinking the Yankees will win today. Get the brooms out.