The Yankees took care of business Monday night, blowing out the last place Marlins 12-1, backed by Luis Severino’s dazzling start.
- New York Yankees: 12 (8-7)
- Miami Marlins: 1 (4-13)
- American League, FINAL
- Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
Following a rain-shortened series in Detroit against the Tigers this past weekend that saw them win the one and only game played, the Yankees did what they had to against a dismal Miami team Monday night. Win a laugher.
The scoring would be started off the bat of Gary Sanchez who would line a hard infield single, knocked down by Miguel Rojas, scoring Brett Gardner. An additional run would cross on a bases-loaded walk to Tyler Austin, giving the Yankees an early 2-0 lead.
Followed by two hitless innings from the Yankee starter Luis Severino, Aaron Judge would take a 2-1 fastball from former Yankee Caleb Smith into the right-center field seats, a 117 mph shot for his 4th longball of the season.
With his 2nd inning homer, Judge becomes the fastest player to reach the 60 home run mark, doing so in 197 career games, beating out Mark McGwire’s record of 202.
Two more runs would score in the 3rd off an Aaron Hicks double to left-center, just two hitters prior to the end of Caleb Smith’s night. Smith would finish with a final line of 2.1 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 5 BB and 3 K’s.
However, the Yankee offense would not stop there.
A 4th-inning solo shot for Didi Gregorius (4) would extend the Bomber lead to 7-0, and then they would just pour it on an inning later in the fifth.
A run-scoring double off the bat of rookie Miguel Andujar along with singles from Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez, scoring one and two respectively would give the Yankees a massive 11-0 lead.
With the Red Sox’ game at Fenway postponed due to weather, Luis Severino was given a prime opportunity to solidify the Yankees finishing the night with the AL East deficit reduced to five games, and the 24 year-old ace delivered.
The right-hander would blank the Marlins over six impressive innings, striking out eight while only allowing two baserunners over 96 pitches.
Adam Warren would take over in the 7th and put up a scoreless inning while striking out two, despite loading the bases.
Enter the bottom of the 7th and Didi Gregorius would once again take a Marlins pitcher deep, this time lining an 83 mph cutter from Chris O’Grady into the Yankee bullpen for his 5th of the season.
@DidiG18’s 2nd homer of the night and 5th of the season. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/7eWeDM5iZQ
— Dan Rourke (@DanAlanRourke) April 17, 2018
With a 12-0 lead, manager Aaron Boone would turn it over to Chasen Shreve who would allow the Marlins’ only run over a hit and two walks.
Following a 1-2-3 bottom of the 8th, Dellin Betances would lock down the Yankee win with a promising outing of relief, striking out two over an inning of work.
Sir Didi is Thriving in the Cleanup Slot
Once the news broke back in December that the Yankees were aqcuiring Giancarlo Stanton, Didi Gregorius was quick to jokingly tweet out to the just named Yankee manager Aaron Boone, regarding his status in the team’s lineup.
@AaronBoone Hey Skip am i still batting 4th ??? pic.twitter.com/oUadnUmf7i
— Sir Didi Gregorius (@DidiG18) December 9, 2017
Now in the middle of April with all jokes aside, Didi Gregorius has turned himself into as much of a threat as anyone in the Yankees potent lineup. A multi-homer performance Monday night increased his early season total to five, while also putting him atop the league leaders in RBI.
Where he sits right now, Didi is on pace for a 57 homer/172 RBI season. Now, of course he won’t come near those numbers, but a 30/100 campaign is certainly within range for the Yankee shortstop.
What’s Next
The Yankees finish up their short 2-game set with the Marlins Tuesday night.
Masahiro Tanaka gets the nod for the Yankees looking to bounce back after a subpar outing in Fenway last week. The Marlins will send out LHP Jarlin Garcia who is coming off a six-inning no-hit performance against the Mets last Wednesday
First pitch is set for 6:35 PM ET on the YES Network and can be listened to on WFAN 660/101.9FM.