Sir Didi Goes Deep Twice as Yankees Win 3-0

The Yankees hosted the Washington Nationals Tuesday night in the first of a short two game set. C.C. Sabathia continued his hot June with a very solid 5 2/3 IP giving up no runs. Sabathia battled for the first three innings, allowing base runners in each, but settled down thereafter and kept the Nationals bats at bay, picking up his 1,500 strike-out in pinstripes as well. Tanner Roark looked sharp early, but it was Didi Gregorius who broke the game open with a solo shot to left-center in the second inning, and the Yankees would follow that up with a pair of walks and an Austin Romine sac-fly, to take an early 2-0 lead.  

Photo Credit : AP/Bill Kostroun

The Yankees threatened in the fourth, but a top ten web gem by Michael A. Taylor robbed Neil Walker of an extra base hit and an RBI. The Bombers threatened again in the fifth, with the based loaded and only one out but a shallow fly-out and ground ball ended the threat. 

Photo Credit: AP/ Bill Kostroun

Didi added a second homer to his night in the sixth, taking Roark deep once more to left field making it 3-0.  A pair of singles by Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge promised more runs in the seventh, but with the Nats shifting, a rocket from Greg Bird turned into a double play to end the inning. The three runs would prove to be all that the Yankees bullpen would need as triple threat of Chad Green Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman stifled the Nationals for the remaining 3 1/3 innings, sealing a Yankees win.  

What's Next?  

The Yankees will close out the two-game series tomorrow against the Nationals. The probable starters are Sonny Gray (4-4 4.81 ERA) and still to be determined for the Nationals (possibly Erick Fedde). First pitch is at 7:05 on YES, ESPN and MASN.