
To open the series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday evening, the New York Yankees failed to score a run. The entire batting order went cold, unable to utilize their impressive home run abilities throughout the course of the game. Despite their pitching holding up strong, with Masahiro Tanaka lasting 5.0 innings and striking out six batters, the offensive dud was an anomaly.
However, the Yankees backed up a tough performance with an offensive gem against the Rays on Saturday afternoon. In the first game of the doubleheader, Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole took the mound. What else to expect from Cole but absolute dominance.
FINAL SCORE: 8-4
Your good and bad news for the New York Yankees after the win:
GOOD NEWS:
There were several bright spots from the Yankees’ victory over the Rays, specifically Cole, who lasted 4.2 innings and allowed zero runs until the final pitch of his day. Throwing 107 pitches over five innings is a ton, and if not for that one poor ball, his outing would’ve been that much more impressive.
Aside from Cole’s performance, Aaron Judge had three hits on four at-bats, including a solo-homer that brought his batting average up to .314 and slugging percentage to .824. Mike Ford also tallied home a two-run blast, recording his first of the year.
Third baseman Gio Urshela once again displayed incredible awareness defensively and at the plate. He had two hits on the night, including a sacrifice fly that drove in a run in the seventh inning. He also snagged an impressive pop-up, running toward the Yankees’ bench and flailing a glove out to make the play. Urshela has been a phenomenal addition since being acquired for cash considerations (25K).
In other news, closer Aroldis Chapman is working his way back up and should be active by next week. Having thrown several bullpen sessions, I expect him to be the featured closer moving forward very soon. That would allow Zack Britton to resort back to a relief role, strengthening the Yankees’ bullpen even further.
BAD NEWS:
There wasn’t much bad news from the Yankees’ victory over Tampa Bay. Brett Gardner went 0-for-4, striking out twice, extending his relative cold streak. Mike Tauchman earned a hit and a run but struck out three times on the day. He still has it .346 batting average. Relief arm, Chad Green, who is normally dominant, had a tough outing, allowing two initial walks and a run over 1.1 innings. He currently has 0.96 ERA, showing off his absolute flamethrowing arm and quality.
Catcher Chris Iannetta retired on Saturday afternoon after the Yankees called on Eric Kratz to replace Kyle Higashioka, who suffered a right oblique strain on August 6.