Okay, after sitting through that Yankees game, let’s all take a breath. Let’s remember this one important takeaway from today:
It’s only the first game. We still have 161 more of these to go, so let’s relax.
That was a bonus takeaway, a much-needed reminder for all of us after watching the Yankees lose, 3-2, to the Toronto Blue Jays, in extra innings at Yankee Stadium.
It wasn’t the Opening Day the sellout crowd of 10, 850 in the Bronx were hoping for. The Yankees are welcoming fans back to the Bronx this season with limited capacity, 20 percent, and strict COVID guidelines.
There was the usual pomp and circumstance which comes with Opening Day — pregame introductions of both teams, and no team does it better than the Yankees. And in the first inning, a familiar sound from the outfield bleachers — the roll call.
Baseball is indeed back, here’s my three takeaways from a tough Opening Day defeat for the Bronx Bombers.
Where was the run support?
Something must’ve happened on the way to the ballpark today, because the run support didn’t make the trip up from Spring Training in Tampa. The Yankees left 10 runners on base today and were 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. With a lineup like they have, this is unacceptable. It is also, however, a familiar scene with this team from past seasons.
Giancarlo Stanton went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts. Aaron Judge went 1-for-5 with two strikeouts, including one with two runners on base to end the ninth inning. The batter before Judge, American League hitting champion DJ LeMahieu, went first-pitch swinging and grounded into a fielder’s choice to third. Pinch-runner Mike Tauchman, who stole second and third, was thrown out at home on the fielder’s choice.
The Yankees, when they’re on, can light up a scoreboard. When they’re off, it’s equivalent to a blackout in the Bronx. Home Run Derby is fun to watch, but small ball, situational hitting, and pitching still wins championships.
The Yankees bullpen — short-handed, yet, effective
Aroldis Chapman served the first of a two-game suspension for throwing near the head of the Rays’ Mike Brosseau last Sept. 1. Zack Britton was placed on the 60-day injured list on Wednesday night. Britton hasn’t been able to pitch since early March due to a bone chip in his left elbow.
When starting pitcher Gerrit Cole left the game, in the sixth inning, the short-handed bullpen was put to an early test. Chad Green, Jonathan Loáisiga, and Darren O’Day allowed zero runs and helped the Yankees hold serve, tied 2-2, heading into extra innings. Nick Nelson would allow the eventual winning run, an RBI double by Randal Grichuk. Overall, however, a strong performance by the bullpen and an encouraging sign going forward.
The Kraken was released, and some
Gary Sanchez has to know there’s big-time pressure on him to perform this season. It’s well-documented the struggles he’s had the last couple of seasons. 2021 is a put up or pack up season for Sanchez and he needs to get off to a fast start. That’s exactly what he did today in his first at-bat with a 2-run home run to left field in the bottom of the second inning.
We know Sanchez, when he’s dialed-in, is just as dangerous a hitter as Judge or Stanton. Today, it was an all-around performance with the bat, glove, and his work with Gerrit Cole. Sanchez called a great game today, specifically in the second inning when Cole pitched out of an early jam.
The Sanchez and Cole battery will be closely scrutinized this season, today was an encouraging first step.
What’s on deck?
The Yankees host the Blue Jays this Saturday in the second game of their three-game series at the Stadium. Corey Kluber takes the mound for his debut in pinstripes.
