By Derek McAdam
April 13, 2023
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The New York Yankees took the rubber game of the three-game set against the Guardians on Wednesday, winning by a 4-3 score and improving to 8-4 on the season.
Quick Stats:
W: Wandy Peralta (1-0)
L: Emmanuel Clase (1-1)
S: Clay Holmes (4)
Bullpen: 5 IP, 0 H, 4 BB, 4 K
Big Story: The Guardians took off early against the Yankees in the 1st, as Josh Naylor drove in a run with an RBI single. The Yankees thought they were out of the inning after the umpires called a double play when Aaron Hicks made a catch in center field and then doubled up Jose Ramirez at 2nd base. However, some controversy arose after the Yankees believed that Cleveland took too long to successful challenge the ball that was not caught by Hicks. Josh Bell then drove in a second run for the Guardians in the same inning, giving the Guardians a 2-0 lead. In the 3rd, Amed Rosario drove in a third run for the Guardians with a solo home run.
However, in the 5th, Kyle Higashioka put the Yankees on the board with an RBI double to score Oswaldo Cabrera, but was also able to score Isiah Kiner-Falefa on a fielding error by Andres Gimenez. Just a couple of innings later in the 7th, Franchy Cordero hit his fourth home run of the season to tie the game at 3-3. For the Yankees, the bullpen was able to keep them in the game, giving them five shutout innings and putting a stop to Cleveland. In the 9th, Cabrera delivered an RBI single to score Gleyber Torres and give the Yankees a 4-3 lead. Holmes would come in the bottom of the inning, and while getting into some trouble, was able to notch his fourth save of the year.
Player(s) of the Game: Ron Marinaccio, Michael King, Peralta and Holmes each deserve the honor of this award. They kept the Yankees in the game in what could have been a blow-out victory for Cleveland. Thanks to Gerrit Cole, the bullpen was well-rested and able to perform at their top.
Notable Performances: The bottom of the lineup came up big for the Yankees yesterday. Higashioka, Cordero and Cabrera each had big hits that ultimately was the entire production for the Yankee offense.
Better to Forget: While it was arguably his best start of the season, Clarke Schmidt knows that time is not his friend. He will need a couple of solid outings over the next few weeks in order to keep his spot in the rotation. While Schmidt and Domingo German have not delivered for the Yankees, yesterday wasn’t much better. He didn’t take the loss, but things have to improve.
My Take: WOW! This was a great comeback win for the Yankees. The win allows the team to keep their undefeated series streak on the line, which also gave them a 4-2 record on the road trip. They haven’t had the prettiest wins this season, and yesterday’s wasn’t one of them, but a win is a win, and I will gladly take it.
The bullpen was phenomenal. While it is only one outing, this is what the Yankee bullpen over the past few years is known for. They are sure to come in and limit the damage. And they did just that. But more than anything, I like to see the bottom of the lineup produce runs for the Yankees. I like seeing Higashioka and Cabrera taking some pressure off Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton and being able to produce every now and then. I’d love to see it become consistent, but in reality, it most likely won’t. But it’s still great to see, and I’m glad for the team.
The 1st inning shenanigans were interesting. It was initially said that Cleveland was given too much time to make a challenge, however MLB’s offices in New York said that they did indeed challenge in time. If New York says that Cleveland challenged in time, then I’ll take their word for it. But the entire process didn’t make complete sense.
Anyways, it was a nice road trip for the Yankees and they get to return home for 10 games against Minnesota, the Los Angeles Angels, and Toronto. Let’s keep things going!
What’s Next?: The Yankees are back in action tonight against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. Joe Ryan is scheduled to start for the Twins, while Jhony Brito is set to go for the Yankees. The game is set for a 7:05 pm EST first pitch.
Then why have the damn rule in the first place? When is a rule not a rule...now you know why this country is so screwed up!!!!!!
the Yankees and some of their fans were outraged by possible procedural violations in that 1st inning, but, looking back, it's best to realize that John Rawls would say that justice was served by making a ruling that conforms to the facts of the matter and best fit the rules long agreed upon.
if a fly ball drops to the ground, it is not to be considered an out