The New York Yankees secured the series sweep against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday evening, despite only playing two contests. After a 9-6 victory on Tuesday evening, the Yankees backed it up with a 6-3 result.
While sluggers Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge both missed the contest due to injury, the Yankees managed to supplement their loss with stellar offensive performances by DJ LeMahieu and Clint Frazier. I would be remiss not to mention Aaron Hicks recording a double and two walks on the night. Gary Sanchez also contributed with a solo homer in the second inning.
DJ LeMahieu finish the game with four hits over five at-bats, earning a .431 batting average on the season with a .479 on-base percentage, the best on the team with a minimum of 20 at-bats.
TOP NEWS:
–WATCH Clint Frazier’s first homer of the season
–Yankees lose star slugger for who knows how long
Do you think Frazier should be in the everyday starting lineup? Comment below!
The New York Yankees watched Red Thunder strike:
However, the big news of the night revolves around Clint, who went 3-for-4 with a home run, single, and double.
Manager Aaron Boone was hesitant to give Frazier a chance with the starting team, deciding to call upon Miguel Andujar for the first 14 games of the season. Andujar through 14 at-bats was unable to get anything going. He posted a .071 average and just one hit. Frazier quadrupled his production in 10 fewer at-bats.
Frazier is known for his offensive capabilities, but his defense has been the primary deterrent. In 2019, he posted a .269 average with 12 homers and 38 RBIs. Defensively, he logged a .963 fielding percentage with three homers over 53 games. His increased maturity and mentality toward the game seem to be positively affecting him. His eyes are dialed in, and a change in hitting technique has allowed him to gain more anchorage.
By twisting his left leg in the dirt, he has more leverage when swinging the bat. In his first game with the Yankees this season, he undoubtedly looks like a better player and mentioned before the game that he feels he the best player version of himself today.
“I feel like I’m ready. I think there’s a lot of people that feel that way too,” Frazier said. “There’s a lot of guys in front of me and it’s been frustrating. I’m hoping that I can make the most of an opportunity if it comes. It’s hard to make the most of something if you’re not given that chance. I would like that chance.”
Chance=secured!