Game 75 | 41-34, 2nd : Spotted with a 6-0 lead after 2 innings, Masahiro Tanaka gave it all back, but rare late innings offense by the Yankees secured the victory. The bullpen trio of Chasen Schreve, Justin Wilson and Dellin Betances kept the Astros off the board for the remainder in a 9-6 win for New York.
The early run explosion came on a tremendous blast by Brian McCann with the bags loaded in the first. A no-doubter which landed in the second tier in right that got out in a hurry. One of the most impressive home runs of the season by anyone. Chris Young continued his assault on his hometown pitchers with a moon-shot of his own ion the second inning, depositing a 78mph changeup from Astros’ starter Brett Oberholtzer high over the left field wall.
Oberholtzer was pissed at himself for giving up two booming long balls, so what does he do? Try to plunk the next batter, of course. Alex Rodriguez had the misfortune to be next in the order after Young, but thankfully the ill-intentioned inside pitch just missed A-Rod. Home plate ump Rob Drake wasted no time in tossing Oberholtzer without issuing a warning to both clubs. UPDATE: Oberholtzer was sent down to Houston’s triple A affiliate immediately after the game.
Here’s the box score, full recap, and video highlights.
Yankees 9, Astros 6
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- Brian McCann
- Chris Young Home cookin’ or not, Young is destroying the Astros. The outfielder clubbed his second home run in two games.
- Mark Teixeira Tex stroked the go-ahead and game winning runs with his 2-out, 2-run double in the 8th that puts the Yanks ahead to stay, 8-6.
- Chase Headley Another literal moon-shot off Astros’ pitching, Headley planted a solo home run in the top of the 9th that provided Betances with an extra run of breathing room. Good sign for the offense. Another good sign is the damage the Bombers have laid on the vaunted Houston bullpen so far.
- Chasen Shreve Another huge, pressure-packed relief performance from Shreve.
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- Masahiro Tanaka It’s now back to back rough outings for the ace, and post-game chatter turned to memories of the two poor starts Tanaka had last time before he went on the DL. Is something physically wrong? Is he not telling the trainers and trying to pitch through it? Unless we hear something prior, his next start is going to be a big one.
“I just look at it as a rough start and we’ve got to iron it out. We’ll get it ironed out. We know what he’s capable of doing.” ‐ Joe Girardi on Masahiro Tanaka (h/t: Chad Jennings/LoHud)
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FOOTNOTES : Michael Pineda, coming off a terrible start of his own in Philly, will try to right the ship tomorrow in the series finale … Then it’s on to Southern California for a 2-game set with the Halos …
