Yankees win series opener vs. Red Sox 4-1

After Thursday’s game got rained out, the Yankees and Red Sox were able to start a three game series Friday night in the Bronx. Chris Sale looked to continue his great May against a Yankees lineup that was missing many of their top righties. The offense, led by the bottom of the lineup and D.J. LeMahieu, was still able to score four runs against him though, and the pitching staff all did their job to secure a 4-1 victory. The win puts the Yankees eighteen games over .500 and 8.5 games ahead of the Sox in the AL East.

Photo Credit: Rob Tringali/Getty Images

The scoring started in the top of the second inning. Rafael Devers, who came into the game with a 1.012 OPS in the month of May, hit a home run that went over the bullpen in right field to give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead. It was Devers’ eighth home run of the year. It was also the fourth game in a row that Happ has given up a homer. 

The Yankees got on the board in the third inning. The rally was started by none other than Gio Urshela, who grounded one up the middle to lead it off. One out later, Brett Gardner also singled into center. D.J. LeMahieu then hit one off the base of the wall in right center field for a double, which scored Urshela. Then, with two outs Aaron Hicks lined a base hit into left field that scored two and put the Yankees up 3-1. 

The Red Sox threatened in the top of the fifth inning. Eduardo Nunez singled to lead it off, and with two outs Mookie Betts was walked to put runners on first and second for Andrew Benintendi. The rally was ended though when Gary Sanchez threw a bullet behind Eduardo Nunez at second base and picked him off.

Even though Happ had some struggles in the first couple innings, he was able to settle down and give the Yankees a really solid start. In his five innings he only allowed three hits and one run, while striking out five.

LeMahieu added another run for the Yankees in the bottom of the fifth. He hit a Chris Sale fastball into the bullpen in right field to give the Yankees a 4-1 lead. It was his sixth home run of the year, five of which have come in the last seventeen games. 

Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac

With the off day yesterday the entire Yankees bullpen was rested, and Aaron Boone was able to use all of his high leverage guys. Ottavino pitched the sixth, Kahnle pitched the seventh, Britton pitched the eighth, and Chapman closed in down in the ninth. Those four were all dominant again, as they didn’t allow a run in their four combined innings of work. 

What’s Next?

The Yankees will play the second game of their three game set Saturday night at 7:15. The Red Sox will give the ball to Rick Porcello (4-4, 4.41 ERA), while Domingo German (9-1, 3.43 ERA) will take the mound for the Yankees. The game will be televised on FOX.

Article by: Chase Seibold

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