Coming off a strange few days in the baseball world along with three straight game postponements against Philadelphia, the Yankees look to get back on track and log in a pair of wins against the Baltimore Orioles.
Game 1: Yankees 9, Orioles 3
Probables: Gerrit Cole (1-0, 1.80 ERA) vs Asher Wojciechowski (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Taking the mound for game one of the two game set was none other than the lights out Gerrit Cole. Cole, seeking his second straight win as a New York Yankee, did just that. Going 6.3 innings, striking out seven and allowing three earned runs, Gerrit Cole produced against the Baltimore lineup.
For the Orioles, making his season debut was Asher Wojciechowski. The right-hander got knocked around by New York’s star-studded lineup throughout all innings. Allowing two 1st inning runs via a DJ LeMahieu solo home run (1) and a Mike Ford Sacrifice Fly, the Yankees got the gears turning early. Although the O’s did make some noise in the bottom half of the 1st with a Jose Iglesias RBI Double, it wasn’t enough to keep up with the Bronx Bombers.
A solo-shot by the perennial MVP Aaron Judge (1) added more to the Yankee lead in the third. Shortly after, Aaron Hicks joined the home run fest with a two-run shot of his own to extend the lead to 5-1.
Wojciechowski concluded his night after going five innings on four hits, four runs and seven strikeouts. Chipping away at the large New York lead, Orioles’ Dwight Smith Jr. crushed a two-run (1) home run that scored Renato Nunez. But unfortunately for Baltimore, the Yankees would do even more damage to the deficit.
Giancarlo, oh, Giancarlo tallied on an RBI Single which scored LeMahieu. To seal the deal, Aaron Judge crossed home on a wild pitch from Paul Fry in the bottom of the ninth.
That’s your final, in game one of two games in Baltimore, Gerrit Cole and the Yankees strike first coming out with a 9-3 win.
Player of the Game: DJ LeMahieu 4-5, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R
Game 2: Yankees 8, Orioles 6
Probables: J.A Happ (1-0, 1.80 ERA) vs John Means (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Heading into the final game of the two game set, New York looks to bring out the brooms while Baltimore is looking to split the series. On the mound for Aaron Boone and the Yankees was the left-hander JA Happ. John Means took the ball for the O’s. If you like action, this was the game to watch.
New York stomped their feet down and opened the game up with five run first inning. Stanton drove one in to begin the scoring on an RBI Single. To follow, Luke Voit (1) comes in big and goes deep for a grand slam. New York is up five, without Gerrit Cole throwing a pitch.
Striking back, the O’s had a pair of their first inning runs. Hanser Alberto (1) crushed a two run home run to narrow the deficit. Seven total runs. One inning. Get your popcorn ready.
In the bottom of the second, Rio Ruiz (3) hits one over the right field fence to drive in two more. Slowly but surely, the Orioles are brewing a comeback.
“Let’s add two more”, said Orioles’ Pedro Severino (1) as he knocked in a pair on a two-run home run. Six unanswered runs by Baltimore, how will New York respond? O’s up 6-5.
Let’s jump to the top of the ninth. New York down one, one out three men on, Aaron Judge at bat. You guessed it… the comeback kid, the face of New York, crushes one deep to left field and into the empty stands! Aaron Judge brings the Yankees back and takes the lead in the top of the ninth.
Slamming the door on a fantastic win was Zach Britton. Striking out two while earning the save for Britton, this was a complete win for the Yankees. There is no question we will see more of these comeback wins throughout the season. Yankees 8, Orioles, 6. The Yankees take two of two and headed back to the Bronx with tons of momentum.
Player of the Game: NYY – Luke Voit: 2-4, Grand Slam, 4 RBI, 1 R
Player of the Series: NYY – DJ LeMahieu: 5-10, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R
Next Series: July 31 – Aug 2: Home vs Boston Red Sox
Photo: Julio Cortez / AP
