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Game Day
·2 min read

Hicks homers from both sides of the plate, Yankees complete series sweep

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The New York Yankees completed the series sweep over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night. With the win, they improved to 5-4 on the season and increased their win streak to four. This is the first time the Yankees have started off 3-0 at home since 2006.

Luis Severino turned in his best outing as a starter since he was a rookie. Severino fired seven strong innings, striking out 11 — a new career high. The young righty only made one mistake when he gave up a solo home run to Peter Bourjos in the top of the fifth inning. Severino had a 5.83 ERA last year and struggled to find any of the magic he had his rookie year, where he posted a 2.89 ERA.

Aside from Severino, the most impactful Yankee on the field Thursday was Aaron Hicks. Hicks started the game off with a loud home run to left field off of Rays’ starter Matt Andriese. Then, in the seventh inning, Hicks homered from the other side of the plate giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead. The switch-hitter pushed his batting average up .313 on the year after his 2-3 night.

The lack of run support led to Andriese receiving a no-decision. Andriese pitched six innings and only allowed one run, while striking out five. Erasmo Ramirez and Xavier Cedeno both ceded a run out of the bullpen for the Rays.

Following Severino’s dominant outing, Dellin Betances got himself into a bit of trouble. He allowed runners to reach first and third without recording an out, but ultimately managed to escape the jam without allowing a run. Aroldis Chapman nailed down the game in the ninth to solidify the win, 3-2.

The Yankees take on the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night and will look to make it five wins in a row. After two shaky starts to the begin the season, Masahiro Tanaka will look to get back on track against Cardinals starter Michael Wacha.

Win- Luis Severino (1-0)
Loss- Xavier Cedeno (1-1)
Save- Aroldis Chapman (2)

Notables:

Austin Romine– 2-3
Aaron Hicks- 2-3, 2 HR, 3 RBI