About Yesterday Afternoon: The Yankees Out-Slug the Padres 10-7
by Tim Kabel
May 29, 2023
*** The Yankees completed a three-game series against the Padres with a wild 10-7 victory, winning the series. They exploded for seven runs in the third inning. Other than that, the Yankees scored one in the first inning and two in the eighth inning. Their offense was dormant in the other innings. This was a one game version of the Yankee season, and basically, the six seasons that Aaron Boone has been the manager. When this team is hot, they are very hot but when they are cold, they are in a block of ice.
It's great that they won. However, Gerrit Cole had another shaky outing, and gave up two home runs. The defense was sloppy, particularly in the second inning. They won the game, but it was hardly a crisp, well-played affair. The Padres were still knocking on the door in the 9th inning. There is work for the Yankees to do if they want to play deep into the post-season. Quick Stats:
Anthony Volpe was 3-30 in his last 8 games heading into yesterday. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to young players.
The Yankees sent 11 batters to the plate, had 8 hits and scored 7 runs in the third inning.
After the Yankees had those eight hits in the third inning, they didn't have another base runner until the 8th inning, when Harrison Bader hit a home run. This game was a microcosm of the Yankees streakiness this season.
Gerrit Cole is 1-0 with an ERA over 5.00 in his last five games.
Aaron Judge leads the American League with 15 home runs, despite a stint on the IL.
On May 28, 1946, the Yankees and the Washington Senators played the first night game in the history of Yankee Stadium.
On May 28th, 1951, Willie Mays had his first Major League hit, a home run.
The Big Story: The Yankees won the game yesterday and the series against the Padres. Yet, their record is 32-23 and they are in third place in the division. They are currently in the third wild card position. Right now, they are not a team that inspires a great deal of confidence. Could they make it to the World Series? Yes, they could because anything is possible. There is also a lot of baseball left in this season. However, this just feels like more of the same. It seems like this is another season in which the Yankees will come up short and the manager will make a myriad of excuses and claim that they were ever so close. Close is no longer good enough.
Players of the Game:
Aaron Judge had two hits including a home run and drove in two runs.
Notable Performances:
Kyle Higashioka had three hits, including two doubles in the third inning.
Better to Forget:
The sloppy defense in the second inning that gave the Padres a run.
My Take:
Most of us have been on dates at one time or another in our lives. Some of us have been on more than others. In some cases, one date leads to more with that same individual. In some cases, it doesn't. Some dates are best forgotten, as there is no match or chemistry between the two people. In many cases, the date can be quite pleasant and rather enjoyable, but it will not lead to lifelong happiness. There is a difference between a pleasant date and a magical one. When you have the magical date, you know it; you realize it is something special.
Being a baseball fan is a lot like dating. Some seasons, the team is just not very good and being a fan and watching the games is not an enjoyable experience. That has not been the case with the Yankees for many years. They are always a solid team and generally win much more frequently than they lose. However, since 2009, watching the Yankees has been a pleasant experience but not a magical one. Sure, there have been some amazing moments, and some incredible players but, there has been no dramatic run to the World Series. There has been no parade through the Canyon of Heroes.
When you are a baseball fan, you can tell when a season is going to be magical just like you can tell when a date is going to be magical. This season does not have a magical feel to it. It seems like every other season under Aaron Boone - above average. Something always happens to spoil the moment, if you will.
Under Boone, the team has never been special over a full season. They have not played in a World Series during his tenure. There is little reason to be optimistic that things will change. Right now, I would predict that theYankees will make the playoffs but that they will get bounced before the League Championship series. I don't feel confident that they will make it to the World Series, let alone win it. What does that mean? Does it mean that we should abandon our loyalty to the Yankees? Obviously not. It just means we are in for a pleasant time, nothing more. It's like a date with a nice meal, an enjoyable movie, and a bowl of popcorn. It's nice but it's nothing special.
Next Up -
Tonight, the Yankees open a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners at 9:40 PM at T-Mobile Park. Domingo German (2-3 3.75 ERA) will face Seattle's Bryce Miller (3-1 1.15 ERA). Let's hope there isn't a sticky situation tonight.
