BRONX, N.Y. — It was a beautiful, sunny day on Jackie Robinson Day at Yankee Stadium Saturday afternoon. St. Louis Cardinals ace Carlos Martinez took the bump in the second game of the series against the New York Yankees. Although Martinez struck out 11 Yankee batters, he struggled with his command and the Yankees came away with the win, 3-2.
In the first inning, the Yankees worked the pitch count of Martinez and drew three walks, but only came away with a run because of a passed ball and a wild pitch. Martinez’s start was very unorthodox. He allowed only four hits but walked a career high eight batters.
Despite the Yankees’ patience at the plate, they only scored three runs on the day. The Bronx Bombers were able to add to their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning on a fielder’s choice and single by Chris Carter that drove in Aaron Hicks.
The Cardinals have been sloppy in the first two games of the series. They have combined for three errors, two coming this game, and the mishaps have cost them.
Sabathia served up a homer to Jed Gyorko in the eighth inning before Joe Girardi removed him to a standing ovation from the Stadium crowd. Overall, Sabathia went 7.1 innings, allowed only three hits and struck out six batters. The big man is now 2-0 on the season with a 1.47 ERA.
Loud ovation for @CC_Sabathia as he exits!
His final line: 7.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K.
His ERA through 3 starts: 1.47. ??? pic.twitter.com/nZTbpdgPfc
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 15, 2017
Sabathia has been the Yankees’ best pitcher by far this year. He has turned in a quality start in each of his three appearances and has yet to lose.
Adam Warren took over in relief for Sabathia and continued his dominance. Warren has yet to allow a hitter to reach base against him in the 20 that he has faced this season.
Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman were rested by Girardi following their heavy workload the past few games. Tyler Clippard served as the interim closer for the day and allowed a home run to Stephen Piscotty. The solo shot brought the Cardinals within a run of the Yankees, but Clippard was able to prevent any further damage and the Yankees came away with their sixth straight win of the season.
That winning feeling. ? pic.twitter.com/Loj6DTHMob
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 15, 2017
With the Yankees sitting at 7-4, they will look to sweep the Cardinals on Sunday night. Michael Pineda will take on Adam Wainwright in what the Yankees hope to be their second straight series sweep.
Win- CC Sabathia (2-0)
Loss- Carlos Martinez (0-2)
Save- Tyler Clippard (1)
Notables:
Jacoby Ellsbury- 2-4, SB
Brett Gardner- 1-3, R, 2 BB
