CLEVELAND — What most thought was going to be an intense pitcher’s duel turned out to be an offensive showcase, as the Yankees took the series opener against the Cleveland Indians, 7-4, at Progressive Field.
Brett Gardner had two home runs to lead the charge for New York. Didi Gregorius also homered off of Corey Kluber, as he continued to hit last year’s Cy Young winner well, after his performance at last year’s ALDS.
That Gardy grit putting in the work. pic.twitter.com/g71wfgGkHz
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 13, 2018
Luis Severino did not have his best stuff today, as he gave four runs in just five innings of work.
The Indians took the early lead with an RBI hit from Jose Ramirez and a homer by Edwin Encarnacion but the Yankees kept fighting back.
Though Ramirez tied the game at four with a home run in the fifth, his 28th of the year, the Yankees would get the final blows.
In the eighth, with Gregorius running from first base, Aaron Hicks lined a 405 foot double to straightaway center field to drive in the go-ahead run.
YA DONE GOOD, A-A-RON!
Hicksie with a booming double to give the Yankees a 5-4 lead! #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/ws7oodkxdN
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 13, 2018
Hicks then stole third, before being driven in by a Greg Bird sacrifice fly to double the lead.
Gardner then added the final nail in the Indians’ coffin with a homer off the foul pole in the ninth.
David Robertson, Dellin Betances, and Aroldis Chapman pitched the final three innings for New York to close out the team’s 61st win of the season.
Domingo German and Shane Bieber face off in the second game of this series tomorrow.
Current Yankees Record: 61-31
