Yankees flip the page, take game one in new-look rivalry

Finally, after what seemed like two very long days the New York Yankees returned to action Wednesday night against their longtime rival, the Boston Red Sox. Last night’s game was postponed due to rain, and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on July 16th. Although the A.L. East has been a wide open, competitive division for a few seasons now, the Yankees and Sox are still fairly even. Over their last 166 meetings they are dead locked at a record of 83-83. While it may still be April, this will be the first time in nearly six seasons that the Yankees and Red Sox both have a winning percentage over .575 when they play one another.

Picture credit: AP Photo/ Elise Amendola

Some analysts, and even fans believe that these two teams are not even rivals anymore. And while that may ring true, that many of the players that drove this rivalry for years are gone, (Ortiz, Jeter, Arod, Varitek). Both teams have young talent, and let’s be honest, for at least 19 games a season this is still a series that players on both sides get amped up for. When you sign as a free agent, when you come up from Triple-A, you are asked how will you react to playing in this rivalry.

On the mound tonight for the Yankees was hard throwing righty Luis Severino (1-1, 4.05 ERA). Severino is coming off a solid start where he went eight innings, giving up just three runs but still taking the loss against the Chicago White Sox. For Boston, reigning CY Young winner, Rick Porcello (1-2, 5.32 ERA) takes the hill. Porcello is struggling this season but coming off a sharp outing against Toronto, giving up zero earned runs over seven innings.

Photo Credit: Adam Glanzman Getty Images

The Yankees coming off a series in which they looked lost at the plate, seemed to be more locked in tonight. Big Aaron Judge celebrated his 25th birthday in style, hitting a two-run blast to opposite field in the top of the second to give the Yankees an early 2-0 lead. While only managing three hits over the first six innings, the Yankees were making Porcello work. After walking Judge in the bottom of the sixth, Greg Bird finally came through, hitting a single off the monster to put the Yankees up by three. Porcello came out to pitch the top of the seventh inning, and after a deep double by Chase Headley, and walking the struggling Matt Holliday, Porcello’s night was done after six and two thirds innings.

Photo Credit: AP Photo Elise Amendola

Meanwhile, Severino stifled the Red Sox all night. He was able to work quickly, throwing the ball where he wanted, and commanded the strike zone. The young right hander dictated the game, and looked as sharp as he has all season. Even into the seventh inning Severino was hitting 98 mph on the gun. After a solid, and exciting start for Yankee fans, Severino finished the night allowing only three hits, striking out six, and walking only two over seven innings.

Photo Credit: AP Photo Elise Amendola

After Porcello was forced to exit at the top of the seventh, the Yankees loaded the bases for Starlin Castro. After an eight pitch at bat with the hard throwing Joe Kelly, the bases were left loaded as Castro hit a soft roller to ground out and end the inning. For the Bombers, Dellin Betances retired the side in order, but Aroldis Chapman ran into a bit of trouble. After walking Andrew Benintendi, Mookie Betts doubled on a line drive to left field. Chris Young grounded out, which gave Chapman his first earned run on the season. On a wild pitch, Betts was able to take third, and Hanley Ramirez worked a walk. But, to the joy of all Yankee fans, Chapman struck out Jackie Bradley Jr. and Josh Rutledge swinging.

On a long, foggy night that had the threat of rain, the Yankees were able to take game one in this quick two game series. In their first game against the Sox, the youth movement of the Yankees continued. Led by Severino and Judge, the Yankees shut out their rival, and moved half a game out of first in the division.

Photo Credit: AP Photo Elise Amendola

Tomorrow the Yankees return to Boston 7:10 PM ET, closing out the set in Fenway. Masahiro Tanaka (2-1, 6.00 ERA)  takes the mound for the bombers. Tanaka will look for win number three, and consistency as he takes the hill. For the Red Sox, their prized free agent acquisition Chris Sale (1-1, 0.91 ERA) will try and continue his dominance, and keep the Red Sox in first place.

Winning Pitcher: Luis Severino (2-1, 3.00 ERA): 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K

Losing Pitcher: Rick Porcello: (1-3, 4.75 ERA): 6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 9 K

Save: Aroldis Chapman (5)

Notables:

Aaron Judge: 1-3, 2 R, 2 RBI (15), BB, HR (7)

Matt Holliday: 0-3, 2 BB

Ronald Torreyes: 1-4

Greg Bird: 1-3, RBI (3)

Article by: Randy Hancock

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