Tanaka fails to shake the long ball, Yankees lose game one to the Red Sox 5-4

The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox once again occupy the top of the American League East.  Many people have said that the rivalry has taken a step back in recent years, and while that seems to be true, many people believe the new, younger players will revive this rivalry to what it once was. To have a heated rivalry, both teams need to be in contention and for the first time in a few years the Yankees and Red Sox are both surging and playing well which should make for a good series. Boston is only two games behind the first-place Bombers at this point, so a series sweep in either direction can really help or hinder how one team's summer begins.

Photo Credit/ Jim McIsaac

On what was a misty night in the Bronx, Masahiro Tanaka (5-5, 6.34 ERA) took the hill in game one of a three game set against the Red Sox. Needing to start off this six game home stand on the plus side, Tanaka continued to struggle.  Having allowed 14 total home runs in his last 36 innings pitched, Tanaka ran into trouble to start off the game. After allowing two men to reach base in the top of the first inning, Xander Bogaerts grounded into a force out that allowed Mookie Betts to score. After one inning, the Yankees trailed 1-0.

As the Bombers have done all season, they were able to fight back. Didi Gregorius singled on a fly ball to right field, and on a throwing error by Betts, Aaron Hicks was able to tie the game up after two innings of play. The long ball continues to be a problem for Tanaka, during the top of the fourth inning Mitch Moreland homered on a fly ball to right center field. Hanley Ramirez followed that up, with a solo shot to left center field making it 4-1 Red Sox after four.

Photo Credit/ Jim McIsaac

In what would be his last inning, Tanaka gave up another home run to Andrew Benintendi which extended the Red Sox lead to 5-1. After an earlier interview with Brian Cashman, where he stated Chris Carter knows he needs to produce, Carter did just that. For one at bat anyway, Carter hit a fly ball to left field that brought the Bombers closer, making the score 5-2 at the end of the fifth inning. Although he faced 11 full counts, and threw a season high 123 pitches, Drew Pomeranz (5-3, 4.24 ERA) was able to navigate through five innings with the lead.

Photo Credit/ Jim McIsaac

Robby Scott came in to pitch the sixth inning. Starlin Castro singled on a ground ball to shortstop, and Hicks singled on a ground ball to right field. Gregorius then grounded into a double play, which did score on run. After six innings played the score was 5-3 Red Sox. During the bottom of the seventh inning, the Bombers would threaten as Brett Gardner worked a walk, but Judge struck out to end the inning.

Photo Credit/ Jim McIsaac

The Bombers just refuse to give up, and truly believe they are never out of a game. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Holliday led off with a line drive double to right field. After a pitching change, which brought in closer Craig Kimberly, Gregorius struck out swinging, but on a wild pitch Holliday was able to score. The struggling Chase Headley worked a walk, but Chris Carter struck out with two men on, and the Yankees still trailing 5-4. Kimbrel would remain textbook through the bottom of the ninth inning, as he struck out the side and secured the 5-4 victory.

Tomorrow night the Bombers are back in action when C.C. Sabathia (6-2, 4.12 ERA) takes the hill looking to even the series up. For Boston, Rick Porcello (3-7, 4.24 ERA) will take the mound looking to better his record and that of the Red Sox in the Bronx.

Winning Pitcher: Drew Pomeranz (6-3, 4.02 ERA) 5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO

Losing Pitcher: Masahiro Tanaka (5-6, 6.55 ERA) 5.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, BB, 2 SO

Save: Kimbrel (17)

Notables:

Starlin Castro: 1-4, R, K

Aaron Judge: 2-4, 2B, BB, 2 K

Matt Holliday: 1-4, 2B, R, 2 K

Aaron Hicks: 2-3, R, BB

Gary Sanchez: 0-5, 2 K
Brett Gardner: 0-4, 3 K
Chris Carter: 1-4, HR (5), RBI, R, K
Chad Green: 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Andrew Benintendi: 2-4, HR (8), RBI, R, K
Mitch Moreland: 1-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Hanley Ramirez: 1-4, HR (8), RBI, R

Article By: Randy Hancock

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