By Mike Whiteman 4/10/2023 On this day in 1913 the Washington Senators edged the Yankees 2-1, behind the pitching of future Hall of Famer Walter Johnson. After years of being known as the Highlanders, this was the first game the New York American League team officially sported the nickname “Yankees”. Born on this day in 1946 was Bob Watson. A fine player for a number of seasons, including a couple with the Yanks. Perhaps best known to Yankee fans for being the general manager of the 1996 World Champions. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/watsobo01.shtml https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bob-watson/
Quick Stats: -The Yankees are 6-3 on the season. They have taken two of three in each series they have played thus far in 2023. -Their 6-3 start is tied for the second best Yankee start since 2004, and their 25 runs allowed at this point in the season is third least since 1961. -Yankee relievers have a 2.25 ERA in 36 innings, ranking fourth in MLB. Big Story: Sitting in front of the Yankees yesterday was the opportunity for another series win, and they took advantage. They did it with the long ball, led by two home runs by Aaron Judge and one by Franchy Cordero.
Nestor Cortes allowed two runs in five-plus innings. The Yankee “B-team” setup relievers Albert Abreu, Ron Marinaccio and Jimmy Cordero held on, creating a bridge to Clay Holmes, who closed out his third save of the season.
Yankees 5, Orioles 3. Yankees win! Player of the Game: Judge’s two home runs gives him four for the season, tied for the early American League lead. He has a 42-game on-base streak dating back to August 2022. Notable Performances: Since a shaky start, Holmes has had three straight hitless outings…Cordero, the Baltimore castoff, had three hits including two home runs in five at bats against the O’s this weekend…Giancarlo Stanton opened the scoring with an RBI single and is quietly off to a .281/.324/.594 start. Better to Forget: Gleyber Torres and Oswaldo Cabrera were a combined hitless in eight plate appearances in the five/six spots in the batting order. They Said It: “The best player going right now…that’s what greatness looks like” – Aaron Boone on Aaron Judge My take: It's great to see the Yanks not only hold on, but even excel as they play through the significant injury losses. I don’t feel a lot of pressure to keep up with the Rays’ unbelievable start, but it’s good to keep them in view. I’m happy for Franchy Cordero and his good weekend. It has to be gratifying for him. Could he be another Brian Cashman unheralded gem? As an aside, I live in a Baltimore media market and watched some of the games on the Orioles television network. Hall of Famer Jim Palmer is a color commentator, and really is a treat to listen to. He knows today’s game, explains it well, and occasionally reaches back to a 1960’s memory. The enthusiasm of the whole Oriole announcing team is very enjoyable. Next Up: The Yanks take their road show to Cleveland and the Guardians. Domingo German (0-1, 7.71) goes against Cleveland ace Shane Bieber (0-0, 2.25).
