NEW YORK- In a Memorial Day afternoon matchup against the Houston Astros, the Yankees failed to come away with the victory over the defending world champions.
Losing by a score of 5-1, Justin Verlander made sure his presence was felt at the stadium this afternoon. Verlander, the ace of Houston’s staff, shut down a potent Yankee lineup that managed to score just one run off the righty.
The 35-year-old Cy Young award winner’s only blemish came in the home half of the sixth when Greg Bird hit his first home run of the season. Other than that, the Bronx Bombers did not live up to the nickname in the first battle of a three-game war against the Astros.
On the flip side, Domingo German showed flashes of what he’s potentially capable of, firing home 97 mph fastballs that featured plenty of movement. That being said, the rookie starter still allowed three earned runs in five and two-third innings.
The second inning served as German’s rough patch, surrendering all three earned runs in the top half of the inning. German allowed an unearned run to score in the away half of the fourth.
German settled down after the third and kept his team in the game the whole duration of his start. His final line on the afternoon: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO, 104 pitches, 66 strikes.
As previously mentioned, the Yankees were not able to generate much offense against Verlander. However, Greg Bird’s first home run of the season was a bright spot on an otherwise dim day. The sixth inning was the only frame a Yankee batter crossed the plate.
When healthy, Bird’s presence as a talented left-handed bat has the potential to serve as a crucial piece in the lineup. Since the every day lineup features multiple right-handed hitting sluggers, sliding Bird’s bat between a Judge and Stanton certainly provides balance to Aaron Boone’s squad.
Similar to yesterday’s bout against the Angels, the highlights were somewhat limited thanks to Verlander’s domains display of pitching.
HIGHLIGHTS
Brett Gardner‘s accurate throw which prevented the runner from advancing to third base.
Go ahead … run on Gardy. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/Z3LM3hHNxG
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 28, 2018
Bird’s sixth inning blast off Verlander. His first home run since last year’s ALCS, also against the Astros.
Greg Bird HOMERS against Justin Verlander.#YANKSonYES live stream: https://t.co/hlNK7CSdRc pic.twitter.com/CeqbyNHw9s
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 28, 2018
OTHER NOTES
As mentioned by the Yankees’ twitter account, Brett Gardner has substantially heated up as of late.
Over the course of his last seventeen games, Gardy sports an impressive .333 average to go along with five doubles, eleven walks, and three stolen bases.
The Gardy party is turning it up a notch. pic.twitter.com/kXNgTikm6X
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 28, 2018
In addition, Gleyber Torres was bumped up in the lineup today, batting fifth for the first time in his career. Torres finished the day 1-4 with 2 strikeouts.
UP NEXT
Tomorrow vs. Houston: 7:05 PM EST
CC Sabathia (2-1, 3.55) vs. Charlie Morton (7-0, 2.04)
