The New York Yankees faced off against the Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon in the third and final game of the series. After splitting the first two games and failing to provide any offensive power in game two, the Yankees battled to earn a late lead in their 3-2 win on Sunday.
After giving up runs in the third and fourth inning, it took seven innings for the Yankees to finally break out. Nationals’ pitcher Patrick Corbin allowed just two hits through 6.1 innings. He blanked the Yankees for the most part, earning eight strikeouts and allowing two hits, both to Gleyber Torres.
Let’s take a look at the winner and loser from New York Yankees victory over Washington:
LOSER: Aaron Judge/Giancarlo Stanton
Judge had an off day despite hitting two balls nicely to left field. He finished the day 0-for-4 with one strikeout. He is currently batting .167 on the season, but facing off against a great team three consecutive times would do that to anyone.
He will look to bounce back against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday in Philly. However, the other Yankees’ top slugger, Giancarlo Stanton, earned a walk over four at-bats. The remainder of his opportunities resulted in strikeouts. Despite his off game, he still batting .444 on the season. Patrick Corbin had his number all game, utilizing his slider to the inside corner to catch Stanton swinging consistently.
WINNER: Gleyber Torres/Tommy Kahnle
Gleyber Torres was a clear winner offensively for the Yankees, despite throwing two balls in the dirt that lead to base runners late in the game. Torres earned his first hit in the top of the fourth inning and hit a home run off Corbin in the top of the seventh. This was a huge moment for Gleyber, who has been struggling to get his first hit through the first two games, and his confidence was clearly showing at the plate.
He will look to carry his momentum into the series Vs. the Phillies, but he must improve his efficiency at shortstop if he wishes to cement himself at the position.
Tommy Kahnle is another player that showed quality. He worked his way out of a bases-loaded jam and recorded three strikeouts over one inning. He allowed just one hit and one walk, but his fastball was touching 98 mph, and his changeup landed at 91. He will be utilized heavily throughout the course of the season, and the Yankees are lucky to have a player with his capabilities.