The New York Yankees had at zig-zag type of game against the Baltimore Orioles in the first contest of a doubleheader on Friday. After blowing a 4-1 lead in the fourth inning, the Yankees managed to stay put until the ninth when they tacked on two runs to give themselves a 6-4 lead.
With the Yankees struggling as of late, the Baltimore Orioles are only four games behind them in the standings, which makes this doubleheader even more important. With players like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and James Paxton out, winning has been a problematic goal. Luckily, they were able to sneak out of a tough situation in game one.
FINAL SCORE: 6-5
Good news and bad news for the New York Yankees:
GOOD NEWS:
The good news, DJ LeMahieu, once again showed up and provided two hits and scored one run over five at-bats. Both Brett Gardner and Clint Frazier recorded two hits apiece, boosting the offense and allowing them to sneak back into the game. Despite Gary Sanchez’s three strikeouts, he did post a solo home run in the second inning to tie the game (7th of the year).
Aside from the offensive performances, the pitching was a bit tumultuous at times. Michael King gave up three runs over four innings, and Ben Heller didn’t do the Yankees any favors. By the grace of the baseball gods, Zack Brittan escaped without allowing a run, and Aroldis Chapman did the same.
More positive news, Gleyber Torres is set to return this weekend, and Aaron judge was spotted in the Bronx doing light stamina work. Manager Aaron Boone believes he will be ready to make a return before the post-season starts.
BAD NEWS:
The bad news, the Yankees starting pitching was a bit shaky, as King was hit around toward the end his 4.0 innings performance. While the starting pitching hasn’t been awful the past few weeks, the relief pitching has been the problem. The Yankees brought in Ben Heller to assist King, who gave up one run, which was evidently a homer.
However, the Yankees blew their fifth lead over the past five games, and just barely manage to sneak out a win against Baltimore in game one. If they keep blowing leads, they will find ways to lose.