I think we all deem it appropriate to begin this particular game recap by mentioning that Gleyber Torres made his highly-anticipated debut in the Bronx this afternoon. Although he failed to record a hit, his presence alone brought a certain feel of excitement throughout the stadium, as fans filed the environment with standing ovations each time Torres walked up to the plate. The top prospect will look to build on this experience and come out firing from here on out.
Today’s starting pitcher, Luis Severino, made sure to deliver a gem on Gleyber’s day. Sending joy to Yankee fans and utter despair to Blue Jay fans, Sevvy showed off his electric arm today, further showing why he is the ace of the staff. The offense showed up today as well, compiling four runs against future Monument Park plaque holder Jaime Garcia.
They were able to tack on one more run against Toronto’s bullpen, and that led to a final score of 5-1. Without further ado, lets get into the good stuff.
Key Contributors
The players who stood out the most today include Sevy, Didi Gregorius, Austin Romine, and Miguel Andújar.
Severino’s start this afternoon was must see TV (or must listen radio, of course). Shutting down a rather strong Blue Jay lineup, the 24-year-old righty gave the Yankees more than a quality start, hurling pitches over 95mph in his last inning of work. The ace’s final stat line: 7.0IP, 3H, 1ER, 2BB, 6K, 112 pitches, 69 strikes.
Offensively, Didi, Romine, and Andújar certainly made their voices heard today, as the quartet was responsible for all five Yankee runs. Didi kicked off the scoring, hitting a first inning longball off Garcia. Additionally, the shortstop delivered a sac fly late in the game, scoring the fifth and final run for the Bombers.
Next, Romine continued to show why he is one of the best backup catchers in the league, hitting a sharp line drive double, scoring two more runs.
Saving the best for last, rookie Andújar turned in a 4-4 performance today, including one double and an RBI to go along with it. After starting off slow, Miggy has caught fire of late, now hitting .308 on the young season.
Highlights
Didi’s first inning homer, and it was certainly glorious:
Lefty vs. lefty? Doesn't matter.
Didi Gregorius gets the Yankees on the board with his 6th homer of the year! pic.twitter.com/Fhd7ZInzmF
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 22, 2018
Andújar’s fifth inning RIBBY DOUBLE:
Miguel Andujar is an XBH MACHINE.
In his last 6 games, he's got 12 hits.
ALL but 2 have gone for extra bases. pic.twitter.com/SINxBc0Zm5
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 22, 2018
In addition to the offense, the defense, specifically in the outfield, was airtight today.
Here’s Giancarlo Stanton silencing the haters:
Giancarlo Stanton out here making plays in left field 👀 pic.twitter.com/j8gWT1gRQT
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 22, 2018
Aaron Hicks wanted to join the D-FENCE party as well:
Aaron Hicks collides with the outfield wall at full speed but remains in the game. pic.twitter.com/ftoUCswlfS
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 22, 2018
Other Notes
Thanks to the YES Network, we are now aware of this cool piece of history that occurred today. This ballgame marked the first time since 1942 the Yankees fielded a lineup comprised of players all under thirty years of age. Talk about a youth movement.
Up Next
Tomorrow vs. Minnesota: Masahiro Tanaka (2-2, 6.45) vs. Jake Odorizzi (1-1 3.38)
