On Sunday, Masahiro Tanaka got his fifth career start for the New York Yankees on four days rest. The Yankees would win the game 3-2, after trailing most of the game.

Tanaka had his shortest outing of the season so far, pitching 6.1 innings. He would allow five hits to an Angels team that leads the league in home runs. Most importantly, Tanaka would only allow two earned runs. Tanaka's ERA for the day was 2.84, slightly above his 2.27 average but still below the 3.00 elite league standard.

The Yankees did win the game, however Tanaka was credited with a "no decision" instead of a win for the game because when he exited, the Yankees trailed 2-1. Tanaka struck out 11 batters but allowed a solo home run to David Freese in the sixth inning, and manager Joe Girardi relieved him. Tanaka's 6.1 innings pitched are the fewest he's pitched in a game so far. Despite only pitching 6.1 innings and not getting credit for a win, Tanaka and the Yankees should be more than pleased.

Freese's home run was only a solo run that sailed over the right field wall with huge help from the wind. Tanaka still only allowed two total runs, and that's what's most important. Yankees long time great Derek Jeter was 0-4, and the Yankees as a team only had three hits. This Yankees team no longer relies on hitting and offense to win games. These Yankees are going to have to win games on the mound. How often do the Yankees only have three hits and win a game?

There is one potential concern for Girardi and the Yankees: Tanaka's pitch count.

In each of the last four games, Tanaka has thrown more than 100 pitches. Girardi has done a good job of managing his pitch count and pulling him at the right time. Tanaka has not pitched into the ninth inning yet, and that's probably a good thing. The last thing the Yankees need is Tanaka throwing 120 pitches per game throwing his arm out. Tanaka has shown he is a good groundball pitcher and he is patient.

The best thing Tanaka can do is keep batters from scoring. Hits, walks and errors will occur, but runs allowed are what counts for wins and losses. So far, Tanaka has only allowed nine earned runs against in his five starts. Tanaka is easily on pace to make the American League All-Star roster and is gaining popularity around the country.