photo credit: Bleacher Report
The New York Yankees may have something brewing, and it’s something good for a change. Like really good.
After avoiding a sweep on Sunday in Tampa Bay, the Pinstripes were once again motivated and ready to play in the opening game of their series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night in Florida, the temporary home of the Jays.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole gave up a run in the first inning but was lights out from there, recording eight strikeouts in six innings while allowing just three hits and a walk. In the top of the fifth, Yanks catcher Kyle Higashioka blasted a two-run homer to right-center field, giving New York its first lead of the night. “Higgy” delivered again in the eighth, blasting another hoer, this time a solo one. Justin Wilson and Darren O’Day were phenomenal and recorded outs, getting their job done and setting up Chapman to close things down.
In the bottom of the ninth, Randal Grichuk hit a bullet into center field that Mike Tauchman dove at but couldn’t grab. It resulted in a double. Chapman retired the next batter, who popped out to Brett Gardner in left field. Chapman retired the next two batters, striking out the final one. The Bronx Bombers are victorious, ending out a 3-1 victory.
Chapman was able to find his splitter in the final inning, and it looked untouchable. We are now finally seeing the Yankees live up to their hype and potential. This is just the beginning of a long, grueling, wild journey. The Yankees will need to stay healthy and consistent, which has been a massive problem for them in the past few years.
For now, it’s time to get rested for Tuesday’s game against these same Blue Jays. First pitch in Florida is set for 7:07 PM Eastern Time. The pitching matchup is set to be Jameson Taillon for the Yanks and Hyun-jin Ryu for the Jays.