New York Yankees: 1 huge winner and 1 loser in win over Orioles

The New York Yankees faced off against the Baltimore Orioles as a supplement to the Philadelphia Phillies, postponing their season for a few days. As they test for COVID-19 after coming in contact with the Miami Marlins over the weekend, staying safe is a priority. The Yankees elected to travel to Baltimore instead, which offered a much easier match up.

Gerrit Cole took the mound for the Yankees, lasting 6.2 innings, giving up four hits and three runs. He was dominant, at one point putting out 14 batters in a row. He pushed himself a bit too hard, pushing beyond 100 pitches, which hurt him toward the end. He gave up three straight hits and a home run, giving up two additional runs after a strong performance. Factoring that out, he had another stellar outing.

Despite Cole having a memorable day, one other Yankee was absolutely terrific in his third game of the season.

FINAL SCORE: 9-3

Here is one winner and one loser from the New York Yankees’ victory:

WINNER: DJ LeMaheiu

LeMaheiu had a fantastic evening, earning four hits over four at-bats, including two RBIs and a home run. He’s currently hitting .500 on the year with a .833 slugging percentage. After missing Opening Day due to an asymptomatic bout of COVID-19 several weeks ago, he has returned to his usual self. His offensive production is precisely what the Yankees needed to get started in the first inning, and as always, his defense was consistent and adequate. His name is never called when it comes to defensive efficiency, which is oftentimes a good thing (nothing bad to say).

If LeMahieu can replicate his 2019 performance this year, the Yankees are in good shape moving forward. He is one of the most consistent and productive players on the team at any given moment. He is the man you want up in the ninth inning with two outs and a man on base.

LOSER: Brett Gardner/Gary Sanchez

If any two players are struggling on the Yankees, it’s Gardner and Sanchez, who are a collective 0-for-17 on the season with nine strikeouts. Another tough day for the veteran left fielder, who’s becoming angry with his performance day-in and day-out.

The Yanks have Mike Tauchman, Clint Frazier, and Miguel Andujar as replacements for Gardner, which is likely coming due to his lack of offensive reproduction. He’s been an automatic out for the most part. He struck out four times in four at-bats against lackluster Orioles’ pitching on Wednesday evening.

Sanchez, who’s been better behind the plate, was also an automatic out, barely making contact. Both are suffering through cold-streaks, but eventually, they will snap out of it.