
Now I’m sure that manager Aaron Boone doesn’t read my blog, care about it or give a hoot about my opinion, but it sure made me look smart and feel good last night that what I suggested was done and with good results!
With the win, the Yanks stay 7 up on Tampa Bay in the AL East, reduced their magic number to 27 for clinching the division, and put their record at 79-51. After playing the Angels again today, the Yanks are off Thursday before being in Florida this weekend to take on Tampa Bay in a big series.
The victory came with a very big scare. The Yanks have a lot of pitchers on the IL and almost had to place starter Jameson Taillon on the IL after he took a liner to his forearm. Luckily, X-rays showed just a bruise, and no IL stint is necessary. But he was knocked out after two innings and the Yankees had to piece together a bullpen game from there.
Benintendi started the ball rolling. As the second hitter in the top of the first inning, he homered (5) to give the Yanks a 1-0 lead.
Rizzo homered (30) leading off the top of the second to make it 2-0.
Taillon gave up a 2-run HR to Max Stassi in the bottom of the second that tied the game. Shortly afterward, he took the liner off his arm that forced him from the game.
The Yanks came back with two runs in the top of the third. D.J. LeMahieu walked, and with one out, Judge singled. After another out, Rizzo walked to load the bases. A throwing error on Angels’ 3B Luis Rengifo then enabled two runs to score. 4-2.
The Yanks made it 7-2 in the top of the fourth. With two out, LeMahieu and Benintendi each singled, then Judge launched HR #51, a three-run shot.
Ex-Yankee Mike Ford tormented his former team again, homering in the fifth to make it 7-3. The Angels added another run in the ninth. Final score 7-4.
Greg Weissert got his first MLB win in his third MLB game.
Benintendi 2 hits, RBI. Solo HR (5)
Judge 3 hits, 3 RBI. 3-run HR (51) He now has 113 RBI.
Rizzo solo HR (30)
Taillon 2 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 0 W, 2 K. Gave up 1 HR. 3.97
Weissert (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 W, 2 K. 6.23 FIRST MLB WIN
Luetge 2/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 0 W, 2 K. Gave up 1 HR. 2.68
Trivino 1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 W, 0 K. 5.02 (Combined A’s/NYY ERA)
Marinaccio 1 1/3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 W, 1 K. 1.85
Loaisiga 1 1/3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 W, 3 K. 5.29
Peralta 2/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 0 W, 0 K. 2.72