Lefty James Paxton struck out 12 in seven innings of one-hit ball as the New York Yankees blew out the Texas Rangers 10-1. Paxton won his seventh start in a row, a career high.
The Yankees continued to have the home run ball on Tuesday, hitting five in the game. Gary Sanchez hit a two-run shot in the first, and hit a solo-shot in the third. In the at-bat prior to Sanchez’s second home run, Didi Gregorius smashed a three run bomb to right.
Later, Brett Gardner hit a two-run homer as well as Edwin Encarnacion. Tuesday was Encarnacion’s first game back off the IL.
Paxton had just two minor flaws all night. He walked a batter in the first and allowed a single in the fifth, both harmless. After a big and long seventh inning for the Yankees, the team removed him from the game at 95 pitches.
Following Paxton was Jonathan Loaisiga, and he pitched the final two innings. He gave up two hits and one left the yard for Scott Heineman’s first career home run.
Next:
With an almost 10 game lead for the AL East, the Yankees are feeling pretty comfortable about everything.
They finish this three game set with the Rangers on Wednesday, then start a wraparound four game set with the Red Sox on Friday. The Yankees would obviously love to beat the Red Sox, but getting swept wouldn’t mean much to them. The series only has meaning for Boston, who is just barely in the postseason hunt.
The Yankees follow that series with games against the Tigers, Blue Jays, and Angels.
There isn’t really much concern for the Yankees down the stretch, but it’s always good to see them win even if it doesn’t mean much.