The New York Yankees have the best record (23-11) since August 11th, and looked to keep the momentum going against the Baltimore Orioles. They will face Baltimore in seven out of their last ten games. Every game matters as the Yankees come down their final stretch, as they still have their eyes on a division title. Entering this game, they trailed the Toronto Blue Jays by 3.5 games.
Yankees Offense Started Off Hot
The Yankees loaded their lineup with a ton of right-handed hitters, which they’ve been doing when they face a left-handed hitter. Paul Goldschmidt started off the game with a single, and Cody Bellinger was the second man on with a walk. Amed Rosario started the scoring off for New York, ripping a two-run double to left field, quickly putting the Yankees out in front.
In the 5th inning, Anthony Volpe lined a double to center field and then stole third base. Austin Wells drove in Volpe with a single to right, giving the Yankees a three-run lead. In the 7th inning, the Yankees blew it wide open. Jose Caballero and Austin Wells both worked walks, and Goldschmidt drove in Caballero with an RBI single to right. Aaron Judge swung at the first pitch and added to their lead with a sac fly to left.
Giancarlo Stanton continued to add to the lead, hitting a bullet double to left field, scoring Goldschmidt and Bellinger. Overall, their offense continues to dominate opposing teams, giving the pitching staff tons of room to breathe.
Max Fried Dominated
The Yankees needed their ace, and he delivered. Fried went seven innings, allowing just 3 hits, and struck out 13 batters. Fried stepped up and put together arguably his best start of the season, when the team needed him the most. His season ERA sits at 2.97, which is the fourth lowest in the American League, behind Tarik Skubal, Hunter Brown, and Garrett Crochet.
Over the Yankees’ twelve-game stretch, Fried once again stepped up to the plate. In four out of his last five starts, Fried has gone at least seven innings and has done it against multiple playoff teams. If they do end up playing in the Wild Card, it’s safe to say that they’re confident in Fried’s ability to bring home a win. When Gerrit Cole underwent Tommy-John surgery, it only put more pressure on Fried, and he continues to earn every ounce of his contract.
Tight AL East Race
The Yankees continue to put pressure on the Toronto Blue Jays, gaining two games on them in the last two days. Toronto will start a series with the Kansas City Royals tomorrow, and the Bronx Bombers will finish off their four-game set in Baltimore. The Yankees need to keep doing exactly what they did tonight, which is winning the games they’re supposed to win.
At this point, the Yankees can only control what they can control, as they don’t face Toronto again this season. The good news is they have an extremely easy end to their schedule, while Toronto has some tough matchups coming up. They will finish their season against the Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, and then the Tampa Bay Rays.
With just ten games left in the regular season, the AL East is going to come down to the wire.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
