Game Recap: Yankees dominate series opener, Andujar stays red hot
The Yankees obliterated the Twins Monday night from the first inning onward. Not only did Giancarlo Stanton go four-for-four with two RBIs and a monster home run, but the red hot Miguel Andujar continued to dazzle. The 23-year-old became just the third rookie in Yankees history to record an extra base hit in seven straight games when he homered on the first pitch of the second inning. The Yanks jumped on Jake Odorizzi right out of the gate with a three run first. Thanks to a collection of great at bats up and down the lineup, the righty was taken out in the fifth inning with over 100 pitches. Meanwhile, Masahiro Tanaka cruised along, going 6.2 innings and allowing just one earned run. He seemed to have more movement on his pitches so we will chalk up his early blunders to the weather (I'm not making excuses). It seemed like Gleyber Torres capped off a great night when he recorded his first Major League hit in the eight inning, but the Bombers kept their foot on the gas. Didi Gregorius went on to hit a grand slam to bring his RBI total to 24, and Tyler Austin tacked on another homer off of the Twins' outfielder, Ryan LaMarre. The Yanks win their third game in a row for the first time this season.
Key Contributors
It was quite the offensive display tonight, but the main contributions to take note of tonight were Andujar, Stanton and Tanaka. Andujar's at bats are becoming must see TV the way he ropes the ball with ease. After going 0-12 to start the year, the rookie is really finding his way, proving to be a catalyst for this powerful lineup. Stanton had a much needed night of productivity. He collected four hits including a moonshot in the fifth that knocked out the Twins' starter. Hopefully this showing can get his confidence back up and he can turn the booing into a distant memory. Tanaka was able to bounce back with an effective outing. He collected five strikeouts in route to his third win on the season. The Twins are not a terrible lineup by any means so it is a good sign to see him go out there and pitch the way he did tonight.
Highlights
Andujar absolutley crushed the first pitch of the second inning.
SEE. YOU. LATER!
Miguel Andujar CRUSHED that one 💪#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/8Znl8PVlgK — YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 23, 2018
Stanton put his talents on display with this monster shot.
DESTROYED.
Giancarlo Stanton puts the Yankees up 5-1 in the 5th with this swing 👇 📺 #YANKSonYES 📱 https://t.co/j5v6kEs6Yu pic.twitter.com/kC9L7TQ2zY — YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 24, 2018
Torres notched his first base hit!
Gleyber Torres collects his first MLB hit! pic.twitter.com/WgdKRHB18I
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 24, 2018
Up Next:
Tomorrow vs Minnesota: CC Sabathia (0-0, 2.70) vs. Jose Berrios (2-1 1.63)