About Yesterday Evening: The Yankees Edged the Astros 5-4

About Yesterday Evening: The Yankees Edged the Astros 5-4

By Tim Kabel

March 29, 2024

*** 

The Yankees opened the 2024 season yesterday with a rousing, come-from-behind 5-4 victory over the Astros. Yes, those Astros. The ones that almost always beat the Yankees and usually come from behind to do it themselves. This time, the Yankees prevailed.

It was not a perfect game, but there was a lot to like in this victory. Most fans were optimistic going into the season and today's result should only increase those feelings. 

This could be the start of something big. 

Quick Stats – 

• The Yankees grounded into 3 double plays yesterday and left 22 runners on base. For a while it seemed like they were repeating the trends of recent years, but they managed to come back and win the game. They do need to make improvement in those areas, however.
  

• We heard a lot about how Anthony Volpe worked on flattening his swing and being more patient at the plate. I know it was only one game but, he was 1-2 with three walks and was on base four times.
  

• In his first regular season game as an announcer this season, Joe Girardi was a breath of fresh air. He brought some interesting perspectives and energy to the game. He meshed well with Michael Kay and Paul O'Neill.
  

• Tomorrow night's game is on Apple TV. So, that means it's a radio game for most of us. It's nice that the Yankees went to throwback road uniforms, but it would be nicer if they made the games accessible for all fans.

Big Story – 

This was the type of game the Yankees would have lost in the last few years. They fell behind early, and Nestor Cortes looked shaky. They had players on base but then hit into double plays. It looked like it was over early. For the past iterations of the Yankees, that might have been true. However, this team fought back and more importantly, they fought back and didn't give up the lead, despite Clay Holmes’ efforts to do so.

This game had a different feel to it. I know it's just one game; they could lose the next ten in a row. However, the team seems to be focused and it seems to have fight. They did what they needed to do to take the lead back from the Astros and they won the game.

Over the past few years, the Yankees always seemed to come up short against Houston, particularly in the playoffs. What they do now won't matter if they meet again in October but, what they do now may help them meet in October.  Beating the Astros, particularly in this fashion, was an excellent way to start the season. Now, let's see if they can keep it up.

Player of the Game – 

Oswaldo Cabrera, filling in for DJ LeMahieu, had two hits, including the game-tying home run. He brought the type of spark to the team that he provided when he first came up.

Notable Performances – 

Juan Soto had one hit, walked twice, and drove in a run. He also made a tremendous throw from right field in the 9th inning, nailing Mauricio Dubon at home.

Nestor Cortes bounced back from a shaky start to give the Yankees five innings and keep them in the game.

Better to Forget – 

Clay Holmes had one of his shaky saves, giving up three hits and almost blowing the lead. If it wasn't for Soto’s throw, the Astros would have tied the game.

My Take – 

Yankees’ fans have been like Moses wandering in the desert for 40 years. The off-season seemed to last forever, probably because it did. We welcomed baseball back with open arms. It was wonderful to have the game again. It was exciting to see Opening Day.

After being starved for baseball for such a long period of time, it was nice just to have a game. Even a loss would have been tempered by the sentiment that “at least baseball is back”. We don't have to console ourselves in that manner. The Yankees won a game that was against their recent nature to win. First, they beat the Astros in Houston, which has proven to be very difficult for them under any circumstances. Second, they were without their ace, Gerrit Cole, who was placed on the 60-day IL before the game. Third, they fell into a hole quickly. Fourth, they sabotaged their own efforts to get back into the game repeatedly. Fifth, their closer made every possible effort to give back the lead. 

Despite all this, the Yankees won the game. This victory could mean nothing. On the other hand, it could signal that this team will be different. Maybe, this team will win the World Series. We have a long way to go, so we shouldn't get carried away but at the very least, this was a game that made you feel good in the moment and provided ample reason for optimism. And away we go.

Next Up – Tonight, The Yankees play the second of a four-game series against the Astros at 8:10 PK at Minute Made Park.  Carlos Rodon, (0-0) will face Houston’s Christian Javier, (0-0).