The New York Yankees would begin their west coast road trip in Oakland. The Bronx Bombers would drop the first game of the three-game set. So we will look at a few takeaways from the Tuesday night contest.
Aaron Judge Rounding into Form
Last night, we would witness something that hasn’t happened all season, an Aaron Judge home run to Left Field. As astonishing as that sounds, it is true. The Judge-ian blast would have an exit velo of 116 mph and travel 467 feet. For the Yankees, this season has been a battle of attrition. This season the Yankees biggest rival is the Injured List, and honestly, the IL is winning. But if the Honorable Judge that swings his gavel like last night for the Bombers. The sentencer for the Pinstripers will carry the Yankees to a much better chance this season.
No Matter How Good the Pen Starters Matter
Last night, we would see the value (or lack thereof) of quality starting pitching. Domingo German would allow six runs (five earned) in 5.2 innings of work. Now let’s make it clear the Yankees offense is capable of putting up more than six runs in a given game. But when the starter gives up first-inning runs, the team has an uphill battle to fight the rest of the way. Quality starting pitching was always viewed as a must for a championship-caliber team. And while bullpens are the desired form of attack in today’s game, a quality start saves the team from overexposure and extension. The Yankees are hopeful that their real Ace, Luis Severino, can return and find his Cy Young caliber form for the stretch run this Septemeber and October.
15-5 So Far
The month of August has been a positive one for the New York Yankees as a record of 15-5 would indicate. And the overall record of 83-44 (.654) has the Yankees tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the Majors. Maintaining the best record in baseball is crucial as it determines home-field advantage in the World Series. The Yankees will head to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers this (Players) Weekend, in what can easily be viewed as a 2019 World Series preview. Winning the series can go a long way in securing the ever fortuitous home-field advantage as the Yankees are a better team at home.
