James Paxton only pitched three innings due to an injury, but the bullpen stepped up, as well as the offense for the New York Yankees to beat the Twins 6-3.
The Yankees return home, and so does their offense
The Yankees got it going early in the first when Gleyber Torres singled home Brett Gardner. Luke Voit walked in the inning to extend his on-base streak to 42 games.
Voit also got a hit in the second, the ball staying in the infield, also registering an RBI.
The Yankees picked up two in the fourth off a wild pitch and a ground-ball to second off the bat of Gardner.
To conclude the offense, Gary Sanchez hit solo-home runs to left in the fifth and seventh for his ninth and tenth of the season.
Paxton’s brief evening
James Paxton was removed after the third inning with knee soreness, and will get an MRI on it Saturday.
He gave up two hits and a run, while walking three. It just looked like he was uncomfortable up there, and it showed in his performance. Now, the Yankees just have to hope that it isn’t too serious.
But luckily, the Yankees had a well rested bullpen.
Jonathan Holder pitched two perfect innings to continue his stretch of strong outings. Adam Ottavino and Tommy Kahnle each followed with perfect innings.
But, come the eighth, Zack Britton came in for an inning of work. After a walk, he served up a two-run homer to Nelson Cruz.
But it never amounted to anything, as Chapman shut it down for the save in the ninth.
Andujar is ready
Miguel Andujar will be in the line-up and be activated on Saturday. He will be the first of a few that are close to returning. Stanton and Hicks will be ready next.
To make room for Andujar, the Yankees sent Mike Ford down to AAA.
Game two of the series will take place on Saturday at 1:00PM on MLB Network, ESPN+, YES, and Fox Sports Go. JA Happ (1-2, 4.68 ERA) gets the ball for the Yankees against Jake Odorizzi (3-2, 3.34) of the Twins.