About Last Night: Breaking down Sabathia vs Machado

So that was one hell of a face-off between CC Sabathia and Manny Machado in the fifth inning last night.

And I know, I know, Sabathia hit the next batter, had to be taken out, and the bullpen and defense blew the game, but that at bat against Machado was one of CC’s best of the season and I thought it was worth taking a second look.

Shall we get started?

Let’s set the scene. The Yankees are up 3-1, the Orioles have runners on second and third with only one out, and Sabathia is trying to avoid one of his “one bad innings” that he’s been infamous for this season.

CC started the at bat throwing a 79 mph slider that Machado laid off for a ball outside. He then followed that up with a 90 mph sinker…