by Dale Mather May 30, 2023
*** About Last Night: Domingo German got the start last night fresh off of a suspension, and everyone was watching to see if something sticky was going on. After a quick seven pitch first inning it started off looking good. In the second inning, Harrison Bader (single) and Jake Bauers (double) got the Yankees on the board. In the third, Aaron Judge smacked a 2- run bomb for a 3-1 lead. Not long after, the flood gates opened and the offense poured it on for the 2nd straight night. Considering the line-up had Willie Calhoun batting 3rd against a pitcher with a 1.15 ERA, the results were far better than I would have guessed.
Quick Stats:
WP - German (3-3)
Every Yankees starter had a hit except for Oswaldo Cabrera (0-for-5)
2B - W Calhoun 2, J Bauers 2, A Judge, I Kiner-Falefa
HR - A Judge 2, J Bauers
RBI - I Kiner-Falefa 2, J Bauers 2, K Higashioka, A Judge 3
The Big Story: The story of the night once again was the offense! The 18 total hits and 9 extra base hits propelled the Yankees to a series opening win despite not having Anthony Rizzo in there and losing Harrison Bader during the game too. With 3 home runs, 6 doubles, and 7 of 9 hitters having multi-hit games, this one was fun to watch.
Player of the Game: Could it be anyone other than #99 Aaron Judge? With 2 bombs, a double, and a late walk, Aaron Judge stole the show last night.. On defense, he also stole a home run away from Teoscar Hernandez. Aaron Judge leaped like an NBA player going up for an alley-oop, to rob him. This was the 4th time in Aaron Judge's career that he has hit and stole a home run in the same game. MVP status!
Notable Performances: I liked the two doubles Willie Calhoun chipped in with from the #3 spot in the line-up tonight, after thinking this was another Boonehead line-up mistake.
An honorable mention to Albert Abreu for 2 hitless innings to give the bullpen some much needed rest.
With this win, the Yankees can use their high leverage pitchers the next two games with the off day Thursday prior to heading into Los Angeles to play a series at Dodger Stadium.
Better to Forget: The injury bug! With Anthony Rizzo already out of the game, Harrison Bader left the game in the 3rd with an injury. Like Rizzo, the injury isn't considered bad enough for rhe IL, but it seems everytime the Yankees take a few steps forward, they have to take a couple backwards. My Take: Perhaps night games aren't all that bad after all as the Yankees offense showed up tonight with hits coming in bunches. Every starter had a hit with the exception of Oswaldo Cabrera, who's struggles continue with another 0 for 5 day and a couple strike outs. Both Estevan Florial and Oswald Peraza are raking at Triple A, so don't be surprised if either or both get another shot this year at the big league level very soon.
Next Up: The Yankees and Mariners will meet up again today at 9:40 PM with Nasty Nestor (4-2 5.30 ERA) taking on Logan Gilbert (3-2 3.60 ERA).
I am hoping the offense can make an appearance this game too, AND for Nasty to be pulled before he starts to tire out and tank the game. I believe this will be the last time I use the term Nasty for Nestor unless he can show some signs that he's still in there. New nicknames to be considered will be Nice Effort Nestor or Nail Biter Nestor. Hoping to stay away from Nothing Nestor and Nowhere Near Nestor... Go Yankees!!!
