Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 0 — New York Yankees 5
Hiroki Kuroda made his second start as a Yankee in today’s home opener and was masterful in a 5-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Kuroda rebounded from a poor start in Tampa with 8 shutout innings. He allowed 5 hits while walking 2 and striking out 6. He also induced 2 double plays and seemed to have all of his pitches working today. He attempted to complete the game but after a leadoff single, Girardi decided to take the ball from Kuroda after 109 pitches. David Robertson closed out the game with a double play and a strikeout to send the fans home happy.
With a shutout being pitched, the Yankees didn’t have to supply a lot offense but they flexed the muscle in today’s outing. Nick Swisher hit a double to deep right center with the bases loaded that brought in all 3 runners early in the 1st inning. With a little change made in the lineup, Alex Rodriguez was penciled into the 3 spot of the lineup and it paid off immediately. In the 1st inning, he got a single and stole second. But in the 3rd inning, Alex Rodriguez drilled a home run (his 630th of his career, tying him with Ken Griffey Jr. for 5th all-time) to center field to provide more run support for Kuroda. As if the 4-run lead wasn’t enough, Curtis Granderson hit his second home run of the season with a laser to right field.
The Yankees offense solidly backed up a superb outing by their starting pitcher today as they push their winning streak to 4 after being swept to open the season.
Win – Hiroki Kuroda (1-1)
Loss – Ervin Santana (0-2)
Notable
Angels
*Erick Aybar – 2 for 4
*Peter Bourjos – 1 for 3
Yankees
*Nick Swisher – 2 for 3, 2B, 3 RBI (9)
*Alex Rodriguez – 3 for 4, 2 R, Solo Home Run (1) in the 3rd, RBI (1)
Current Yankees Record: 4-3
Ryan Nakada
@adakannayr