SEATTLE, Wash — The 1997 season was a home run derby for Tino Martinez. Oh yeah, he won that too! Back at his old stomping grounds, the New York Yankees’ first baseman crowned the Kingdome on this date.
After dropping the road opener to the Seattle Mariners, 4-2, the Bronx Bombers bustled back with a barrage of blasts. It all added up to a 16-2 victory.
In the first frame, Martinez mashed a three-run homer to right off Scott Sanders, posting New York to a 3-0 advantage.
During third inning, Martinez topped a two-run tater to right off Sanders, making it 5-1.
In the fifth frame, Martinez got Sanders for the trifecta, a solo smash to right, increasing the lead to 6-2.
Tino would also add an RBI-walk in the ninth inning for good measure.
