About Last Night: Yankees 5, Rays 4

by Tamar Chalker

June 23, 2022

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Wednesday night started off looking a lot like Tuesday when Isaac Paredes hit a homer in his first at bat. A shaky start by Jordan Montgomery had the Yankees trailing early and for most of the game, but a pair of homers from Aaron Judge, some strong defense, and a timely homer from Jose Trevino gave the Bronx Bombers the victory. They've now won their last seven series and have 20 comeback wins.

Quick Stats - Jordan Montgomery went six innings and gave up four runs on nine hits, two walks, and two Ks.

Clarke Schmidt gave up one hit and a walk in the seventh, but came away from the game with the W.

Clay Holmes pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for the save.

Aaron Judge went 2-5 with two homers, however, he also left five people on base.

Jose Trevino went 2-5 with a 2-run homer.

Big Story - The Jose Trevino story just keeps getting better. He keeps finding ways to come up big for the Yankees. He had a big defensive play that kept the Rays from breaking the game open in the fourth and came through with a clutch homer for the Yankees' victory. Honestly, when he was rounding the bases I wanted to tell him to slow down a little an enjoy it more, but his excitement is infectious.

Player(s) of the Game - Jose Trevino had a key pick off at third with the bases loaded in the fourth, keeping the Yankees in the game. He also hit a 2-run homer in the eighth to give the Yankees their first lead of the night. Aaron Judge certainly kept the Yankees in the game with his pair of homers.

Notable Performances - The Bullpen had struggled a bit lately, but they were on fire Wednesday. Schmidt kept the Yankees in the game and saw them take the lead after his scoreless inning. Michael King and Clay Holmes both pitched scoreless innings, picking up a K a piece.

Better to Forget - Jordan Montgomery - It was an inconsistent night for Monty, though he managed to give the Yankees six innings. It was a rare down night for him, but it kept the Yankees in the game.

Anthony Rizzo went 0-4 and stranded four runners.

My Take - This was another example of how this team can find many ways to win. Montgomery was having a tough night, but the bullpen was there to pick him up and so was the defense. Giancarlo Stanton had two great throws from the outfield to second, one of which got a big out. Trevino had his pickoff at third, also contributing to the defensive effort.

On the other side of the field, the Yankees were struggling. The offense had plenty of opportunities to score, but were unable to break through. A homer by Judge in the fourth gave the Yankees their first run and they had the chance to take control of the game in the fifth when they had the bases loaded with one out. Unfortunately, Judge struck out and Rizzo lined out to end the threat. The Yankees scored on an error in the sixth, but once again failed to capitalize on a bases loaded situation.

You never know what Yankees team is going to show up on any given night. Will it be stellar pitching? Monster hitting? Smart small ball? Defense? All I know is they keep finding ways to win and I am here for it.

Next Up - The Yankees head back to the Bronx to start a series against the Houston Astros tonight. Jameson Taillon will take the ball for the Yankees. He is 8-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 13 starts. He has 60 Ks in 73 1/3 innings. The Astros will send Framber Valdez to the mound. The southpaw is having a strong season, going 7-3 in 13 starts with a 2.78 ERA and 68 Ks in 81 innings of work. First pitch is at 7:05pm at Yankee Stadium.