Following the tough news that came out earlier today regarding Clarke Schmidt, the Yankees would try to make it two in a row against the Angels. In a rubber matchup to avoid losing their first series in a month it would be Carlos Rodon on the mound going up against Patrick Sandoval in the late-night contest. After a tough night with runners on base last night, the Yankees would get the bats going again as they put up 8 runs on Los Angeles en route to their 39th win of the season.
Although two different streaks ended tonight, the Yankees won decisively, taking this road series in Anaheim despite recent years of struggles there. Their first series win in Orange County since 2018, the Yankees were able to put away the Angels and improve to 20 games over .500.
Juan Soto and Aaron Judge Combine for 5 RBIs in Yankees’ Win
The game started on the wrong foot for the Yankees, as after a scoreless first inning for both teams, Logan O’Hoppe would hit his second home run of the series. With a solo blast to give the Angels an early lead, it looked like it would be another tight contest between these two teams, but Aaron Judge awoke from a very brief slumber to put an end to any hopes of Los Angeles stealing a series against the Bronx Bombers.
He deposited a two-run blast in the fourth inning to hand the Yankees a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, and while Carlos Rodon snapped the Yankees’ streak of starters allowing two earned runs or fewer, he pitched great. He cruised through the first six innings of the game before running into trouble in the seventh, allowing three runs with five strikeouts and one walk, adding another quality start to his season totals.
Juan Soto would break the game open in the top of the seventh inning, as after both Oswaldo Cabrera and Anthony Volpe recorded RBI walks, he would slap an RBI triple down the line to clear the bases. The Soto & Judge combination have been even better than advertised, and the Yankees are watching this dynamic duo tear up the American League. Jose Trevino would add on a sacrifice fly to get one back after the Angels added two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, and the two sides would be held scoreless from there.
Now 39-19, the Yankees are 20 games over .500 again, winning their second-straight series on this West Coast trip and increasing their lead in the AL East back to 2 games. They’ll take on the San Francisco Giants tomorrow night at 10:15 PM EST as they play the Giants on the road for the first time since 2019.