by Christopher Schober
April 2, 2024
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The Yankees scored five runs to win their fifth game in a row.
For the first time since 1992, the Yankees have started a season 5-0. Last night they defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-2.
The Big Story
The Yankees kept the good vibes going in the desert! This game didn’t quite have the theatrics or the comebacks we grew accustomed to over the first four games in Houston, but the Yankees stayed hot to open the season 5-0.
Fueled by 4.2 strong innings by Luis Gil (6 K’s) and another strong bullpen performance, the Yankees held the Diamondbacks to only two runs making it the fourth time in five games the Yankees have not allowed more than three runs. Gil, who started, dazzled with his electric fastball topping out at 100mph and showed he can be another contributor while the Yankees await the return of their Ace. On offense Anthony Volpe paved the way with a 4-for-4 performance at the plate including two doubles, an RBI, and a run scored.
How We Got Here
In the first inning the Yankees continued to show incredible discipline at the plate forcing Ryne Nelson to throw 31 pitches and loading the bases with a Judge single sandwiched between walks to Soto and Stanton. Alex Verdugo eventually would flyout to left, stranding the runners, but the traffic on the bases would be a theme for Nelson's short 2024 debut.
The second inning started with a leadoff double for Anthony Volpe who would eventually be brought home by a bloop single to right from the red-hot Oswaldo Cabrera. On the next at bat, Oswaldo was able to score from first on a line drive double to left by Gleyber Torres who recorded his first RBI of the year.
The strong offensive showing continued into the third as Anthony Rizzo opened it with a walk, and then Verdugo got in the on the fun with a walk of his own to set up runners on first and second for the new look Anthony Volpe. With one out, Volpe hit a first pitch fastball right back up the middle to score a hustling Anthony Rizzo and advancing Verdugo to third. The next batter, another kid, showed a good fundamental approach as Austin Wells did his job hitting a fly ball to deep center scoring Verdugo on a sac fly on which the Yankees were once again the beneficiaries of some bad defense as the Snakes would throw the ball around on the play allowing the speedy Volpe to score all the way first.
This game had the smell of an offensive outburst early, but the Yankees would not score another run after the Nelson's day was done after the top of the third. The Diamondbacks bullpen did a spectacular job of keeping their team in the game with 6 shutout innings allowing only 3 hits and striking out 2.
Luis Gil gave the Yankee fans a lot to be excited about in his late-night start. Despite some control issues he was able to allow only one run coming in the third inning after a single and walk by Jake McCarty and Gerardo Perdermo respectively. He then spiked a changeup allowing McCarty to advance to third who would then be brought in on a sac-fly by Ketel Marte. Luis Gil battled back getting out of the inning with a groundout by Corbin Carol and striking out old foe Lourdes Gurriel Jr. with a 99 MPH fastball away.
After recording two outs in the fourth, Boone took the ball from Gil not allowing him the opportunity to record the win but the pitcher exited the mound all smiles and watched his teammate Luke Weaver navigate 2.1 innings of one run ball.
Like Gil, Weaver struggled a bit with his command and location allowing two hits and walking one but overall gave the Yankees some quality innings with some of the top arms getting some rest today.
Luke Weaver turned it over to Nick Burdi and Victor Gonzalez who were near perfect allowing one hit and no walks each in an inning of work. Weaver received his second win of the year and Gonzalez recorded his first save of the 2024 season.
Player(s) of the Game-
Anthony Volpe: 4-4, 1 Run, 1 RBI, 2 2B
Luis Gil: 4.2 Innings, 6k, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB
Notable Performances
Gleyber Torres: 2-5, 1 RBI, 1 2B
Nick Burdi: (Did Matt Blake do it again?)
My Thoughts
The Yankees felt in control of this game very early on, after the first it was clear Ryne Nelson was not going to be able to get this lineup out the second time around. Maybe it is just my 5-0 arrogance, but none of the attempted rallies by the Diamondbacks scared me I have faith in whoever is pitching on this team right now.
I love that Aaron Boone at least through 5 games is keeping the lineup consistent and rolling out the nine best players. Play to win the game in front of you.
Anthony Volpe right now could not look more different at the plate from a year ago. He is controlling the strike zone and making pitchers pay when they throw him strikes. His swing is more level and compact and I am extremely excited to see what a full year of that looks like.
I keep trying to come up with a joke how night games aren’t cool but I just can’t right now.
I would like to see Alex Verdugo get a hit with RISP before coming home to the Bronx. His defense in left has been the best since Brett Gardner and his approach at the plate is refreshing, but the left hander has stranded a lot of runners. It feels like he is due for a big hit soon.
Juan Soto’s antics at the plate are entertaining every single time and I do not see that changing anytime soon. He reminds me of a bulldog. (I would hate pitching to a bulldog.)
If Luis Gil can spot his changeup to pair with that electric fastball, he will be absolute weapon even after Cole returns whether that be as a relief pitcher or in a 6-man rotation.
Aaron Judge hitting the first pitch he saw today for a rocket single was nice, let’s get that first homer out of the way soon.
The Yankees pen should be fully rested, so I expect another 4-5 inning performance out of Nestor Cortes tonight.
What’s Next.
The Yankees (5-0) will face off against the Diamondbacks (3-2) in the second game of a three-game set airing on YES at 9:40 EST. Nestor Cortes will look to bounce back after a mixed bag of results in his season debut. On the other side the Yankees will face off against right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen who pitched 5 innings of one run ball on Opening Day.
