Hicks homers from both sides of the plate, Yankees complete series sweep
The New York Yankees completed the series sweep over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night. With the win, they improved to 5-4 on the season and increased their win streak to four. This is the first time the Yankees have started off 3-0 at home since 2006. Luis Severino turned in his best outing as a starter since he was a rookie. Severino fired seven strong innings, striking out 11 -- a new career high. The young righty only made one mistake when he gave up a solo home run to Peter Bourjos in the top of the fifth inning. Severino had a 5.83 ERA last year and struggled to find any of the magic he had his rookie year, where he posted a 2.89 ERA.
If Yankees hang on and win, Severino will notch his first victory as a starter since 9/27/15.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) April 14, 2017
Aside from Severino, the most impactful Yankee on the field Thursday was Aaron Hicks. Hicks started the game off with a loud home run to left field off of Rays’ starter Matt Andriese. Then, in the seventh inning, Hicks homered from the other side of the plate giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead. The switch-hitter pushed his batting average up .313 on the year after his 2-3 night. The lack of run support led to Andriese receiving a no-decision. Andriese pitched six innings and only allowed one run, while striking out five. Erasmo Ramirez and Xavier Cedeno both ceded a run out of the bullpen for the Rays. Following Severino’s dominant outing, Dellin Betances got himself into a bit of trouble. He allowed runners to reach first and third without recording an out, but ultimately managed to escape the jam without allowing a run. Aroldis Chapman nailed down the game in the ninth to solidify the win, 3-2.
SWEEP. Yankees win, 3-2! FIrst 3-0 start at home since 2006! #StartSpreadingTheNews pic.twitter.com/rkguDeNszt — New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 14, 2017
The Yankees take on the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night and will look to make it five wins in a row. After two shaky starts to the begin the season, Masahiro Tanaka will look to get back on track against Cardinals starter Michael Wacha. Win- Luis Severino (1-0) Loss- Xavier Cedeno (1-1) Save- Aroldis Chapman (2) Notables: Austin Romine- 2-3 Aaron Hicks- 2-3, 2 HR, 3 RBI