NEW YORK — In his first Major League start, Jonathan Loaisiga was able to keep the Tampa Bay Rays at bay, as New York was able to win, 5-0, at Yankee Stadium.
Sporting an array of good pitches, the young right-hander struck out six Tampa batters in an impressive five-inning outing. While he did walk four and allow three hits, he was able to pitch himself out of trouble to earn himself his first career victory.
A very strong Major League debut from Jonathan Loaisiga. pic.twitter.com/JuRCULMx6Y
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 16, 2018
As for the offense, the Yankees had a difficult time early on getting to Nathan Eovaldi.
Didi Gregorius opened the scoring with a solo shot, his 14th homer of the year, in the third inning. Things are once again looking good for the Yankee Shortstop.
After Giancarlo Stanton added a run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, New York had a chance to blow it open the eighth.
With the bases loaded, and Johnny Venters on the mound, Gary Sanchez was at the plate. The struggling catcher finally caught a break, with his liner falling just past right fielder Johnny Field and rolling all the way to the wall.
Write that 'W' in ink. pic.twitter.com/5malD10KXa
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 16, 2018
The hit cleared the bases and let Sanchez breathe a huge sigh of relief.
With the game no longer a save situation, Aaron Boone was able to rest Aroldis Chapman and put in Adam Warren. He, along with three other relievers, combined to pitch four shutout innings as the bullpen continues to impress.
Luis Severino and Ryne Stanek go at it tomorrow, with the Yankees looking for the series victory.
Current Yankees Record: 45-20
