Going into last night, the New York Yankees had lost two games in a row, so they were hoping for a bounce-back win over the Rangers, and boy did they get it. Jameson Taillon struggled again, but the bullpen was stellar, and the offense exploded for change in the Yankees’ 7-4 win in Arlington, Texas.
Jameson Taillon struggles again
Jameson Taillon certainly didn’t have his best stuff last night as his 2021 season struggles continued. Over 4.1 innings, he gave up 4 earned runs. Although he got through the first two innings relatively clean, the third inning was his demise. Johan Heim split the center fielders for a double. Willie Calhoun skied to left. Heim was called safe at second. Solak got an RBI single to give the Rangers the early lead. Lowe walked. Gallo walked to load the bases with two outs. Garcia singled, driving in two Ranger runs. Garcia stole second without a throw. Dahl, with two on struct out, but the Rangers scored three. Taillon gave up another run in the fourth, throwing 76 pitches.
Taillon was rescued from the loss by a stellar job by the bullpen. Wandy Peralta, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Chad Green combined for 3.2 innings of no-hit ball. At the bottom of the ninth, Aroldis Chapman was called in to close for the Yankees. He allowed a double but struck out three in the half to get his 10th save of the season. His last strikeout was a 103mph fastball.
An exploding offense under the dome
The exploding offense may be a bit of an exaggeration, but 13 hits seemed like an avalanche of hits compared to recent days. It was enough to shore up Jameson Taillon’s struggles. What made this display of hitting so cool was that it was done without a home run in the Yankee win. Aaron Judge, Rougie Odor, Miguel Andujar, and Mike Ford all got 2 hits in the game that featured a hit from everyone in the lineup except for Ryan LaMarre.
Injuries: Now it’s Gary Sanchez?
The New York Yankees have been plagued with injuries of late. First, Gleyber Torres tested positive for the Covid virus and went on the 10 day Covid list. Then it was centerfielder Aaron Hicks who tore a tendon in his wrist. He was put on the 10 day IL and made his way back to New York to be evaluated by the team doctor to determine if he will need surgery. Up next was Giancarlo Stanton, who is no stranger to injuries. He injured his left quad. Manager Aaron Boone in his usual positive posture, said he just needed rest. But after two days, he was put on the 10 day.
Last night in the seventh inning Gary Sanchez was taken out of the game with hamstring cramps. He was seen flexing his leg as he exited the game. Boone, again being positive, said he didn’t believe it was anything serious and that Kyle Higashioka would be catching Corey Kluber tomorrow (today). The days’ rest should have him ready to pitch in Thursday’s matinee. We surely hope so; the Yankee don’t need any more injuries. Sanchez has a history of groin and hamstring issues that have caused him multiple times on the IL.