Behind homers from Holliday, Judge and strong start from Jordan Montgomery, Yankees win eighth straight

The Yankees handed the ball to rookie Jordan Montgomery for his second career major-league start seeking their eighth straight win against a rebuilding Chicago White Sox team that came into New York with a 6-5 record. The White Sox, who similar to the Bombers have focused more on a team centered around youth, sent former Texas Ranger Derek Holland, who was looking to bounce back from three consecutive injury plagued seasons to the mound. Holland came into the game with a career earned run average against the Yankees above six. Montgomery had another strong outing, leading the Yankees to their eighth straight victory with a 7-4 win.

Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac | Getty Images

Jordan Montgomery pitched himself into a second and third and one out jam in the first inning, but escaped the inning with no damage. The Yankees first threatened in the bottom of the second inning when Starlin Castro hit a double, but was stranded on third base.

The Yankees broke out for five runs in the third inning with two outs starting with a two strike count, three run home run by Matt Holliday that was clobbered 459 feet into the left field bleachers, which is the second longest home run hit so far this season. Back to back doubles by Castro and Chase Headley made it 4-0, and Aaron Judge hit an infield single to cap the five spot.

Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac | Getty Images

Aaron Judge did not let the reviewed home run call from last night’s game bother him at all as in the fifth he blasted a two run home run to knock Holland out of the game, whose struggles against the Yankees persist. He was replaced by former Yankee, Anthony Swarzak.

Photo Credit: Bill Kostroun | AP

Jordan Montgomery silenced the White Sox’s bats for the majority of the game commanding the zone and consistently challenging White Sox hitters with first pitch strikes. The opposing hitters constantly produced soft contact, and Montgomery induced two double plays. His lone mistake of the night was leaving a 3-1 pitch right down the middle resulting in a three run home run by White Sox designated hitter Yolmer Sanchez in the seventh inning. Adam Warren held the lead for the Yankees pitching two and a third innings, but was ultimately lifted for closer Aroldis Chapman when he allowed a double to catcher Kevan Smith. After a pinch-hit single by Leury Garcia, Chapman got Tyler Saladino to ground out into a game ending double play securing the Bomber’s eighth victory in a row.

Photo Credit: Bill Kostroun | AP

The Yankees stellar starting pitching, clutch hitting, and dominant bullpen have been the keys to their recent winning streak, which were all displayed today and confidence for the team appears to be higher than ever.

The Yankees will look to secure their third consecutive series win and ninth straight victory tomorrow against Chicago at 7:05 EST at Yankee Stadium. Luis Severino (1-0, 4.50 ERA)  will look to build on his last strong  pitching performance, and the Yankees will square off against former Oriole Miguel Gonzalez (1-0, 4.22 ERA).

Winning Pitcher: Jordan Montgomery (1-0, 4.22 ERA) 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR

Losing Pitcher: Derek Holland (1-2, 4.32 ERA) 4.2 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR

Save: Aroldis Chapman (4): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0, K, 0 HR

Notables:

Starlin Castro: 3-4, 2 2B, 2 R

Jacoby Ellsbury: 2-4

Matt Holliday: 1-4 HR (2), 3 RBI

Chase Headley: 1-4, 2B, RBI, R

Aaron Judge: 2-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, R

Anthony Swarzak: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K

Yolmer Sanchez: 3-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, R

Melky Cabrera: 2-3, BB

Kevan Smith: 1-4, 2B, RBI

Article by: Ryan Thoms

Follow @_TheRealRT_ Follow @BronxBomberBall