By Paul Semendinger
June 6, 2024
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About Last Night - The Yankees won again. They keep on keeping on...
The Yankees are now 44-19. They are 25 games over .500. They are on pace to win 113 games. They have won seven consecutive games.
Quick Stats:
WP - Carlos Rodon
LP - Chris Paddack
NYY HR - None
There were three triples in the game. Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe tripled for the Yankees
The Yankees are 5-0 against the Twins this year
The Big Story:
I have often alluded to the famous Jacob Ruppert quote about the Yankees jumping out to a big lead and suddenly putting the game away. Last night, the Yankees scored four runs early. The dynamic duo of Anthony Volpe and Juan Soto each singled. Aaron Judge then had a run scoring ground out. Following an Alex Verdugo strikeout, Giancarlo Stanton singled home Soto. Anthony Rizzo then doubled Stanton to third. Both Rizzo and Stanton scored on a bloop ground rule double by Gleyber Torres. After one inning, the Yankees led 4-0. A great start.
The Yankees also flashed some leather. In the top of the first, Alex Verdugo made an outstanding catch in deep left field just as the ball, and he, reached the wall. It was an amazing spectacular catch. Later, in the top of the fourth, Juan Soto made an excellent catch reaching into the seats to catch a flyball. (Of note, for all the complaining, criticism, hand wringing, nonsense, and more, Juan Soto has played a very good rightfield for the Yankees.)
No team scored again until the Yankees broke the game wide open in the bottom of the fifth... DJ LeMahieu walked, Volpe singled, Soto walked, and then Aaron Judge drove them all home with a three-run triple. Judge then scored on a sac fly by Verdugo. 8-0 felt pretty good at this point.
Carlos Rodon caried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Seemingly tired, he allowed two runs on three hits in the sixth before exiting the game.
The Yankees brought in Dennis Santana (maybe to make the game close). He gave up two runs in the seventh inning. He also gave up a run in the eighth.
Michael Tonkin closed out the game.
Player(s) of the Game:
Aaron Judge: 5 runs batted in
Carlos Rodon: 6 ip, 3 hits, 2 runs
Notable Performances:
Anthony Volpe: 3 hits. He is now hitting .290 for the season
Juan Soto: 2 walks, 1 hit, 2 runs
Giancarlo Stanton - 2 hits
Better to Forget:
At this point, I'd rather forget that we have a "better to forget" category. The Yankees are rolling. Let's hopefully forget all the heartache since 2009 as we watch the Yankees drive to a World Championship in 2024.
Next Up - The Yankees conclude this series with the Twins tonight. Marcus Stroman takes the hill at 7:05 as the Yankees look for the sweep.
