Yankees 4-1 Orioles: Yankees edge out Orioles behind Judge’s 33rd HR

New York Yankees 4-1 Baltimore Orioles

BALTIMORE — The New York Yankees began their series against the AL East leaders, the Baltimore Orioles, with a 4-1 win on Friday night. Aaron Judge, ending an RBI drought that lasted more than a week, hit his 33rd home run to energize the Yankees’ offense.

CAPTAIN IS BACK!#RepBX #Yankees pic.twitter.com/vDnvCRs7MX

— Pinstripes Nation (@pinstripesnat) July 13, 2024

Tensions flared in the bottom of the ninth when Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit on the helmet by a pitch from Clay Holmes, leading to a shoving match between the teams.

Earlier, Gerrit Cole had a solid six-inning performance for the Yankees, who are now just one game behind the division leaders. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s losing streak has extended to four games.

Yankees Take Down Orioles After Recent Struggles

The Yankees faced the Orioles for the first time since a tough series loss in New York last month. Since then, the tide has turned. New York has struggled, going 6-13, while Baltimore has also stumbled with an 8-12 record. This slump has allowed the Boston Red Sox to close in, now just 5.5 games back in the division race.

Gerrit Cole delivered a strong outing for the Yankees, his longest since returning from injury. He pitched six innings, allowing only one run on five hits. Three relievers took over to close out the game, with Clay Holmes securing his 21st save in 26 opportunities by pitching a clean ninth inning.

Tensions flared in the bottom of the ninth. With one out, a 97 mph fastball from Holmes struck Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad on the helmet. After a tense delay, Kjerstad left the game. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde expressed his displeasure by marching toward the Yankees’ dugout, sparking a shoving match that emptied both benches and bullpens. Hyde was ultimately ejected for his actions.

Despite the late-game drama, the Yankees held on for a crucial 4-1 victory. Baltimore starter Cade Povich pitched a decent game, lasting 5 1/3 innings and surrendering three runs, but his five walks ultimately proved costly.

Pinstripes Pound Orioles, Look to Snap Division Rival’s Streak

Anthony Volpe ignited the Yankees’ offense in the second inning, reaching third base on an error by Anthony Santander. Jose Trevino followed with a double to drive in Volpe, and Jahmal Jones singled to bring Trevino home, giving the Yankees an early 2-0 lead.

The Orioles, fresh off back-to-back shutouts against the Cubs, threatened early by putting the leadoff batter on base in five of the first seven innings. However, they could only score once, on Ramón Urías’ RBI triple in the second inning.

Aaron Judge, breaking out of a recent slump, silenced the Baltimore crowd in the third with a towering home run over the left-field wall at Camden Yards. This home run extended his Major League-leading total to five more than Shohei Ohtani. Judge also drew walks in his other at-bats, reaching base safely in all five plate appearances.

Soto makes it 4-1.#RepBX #Yankees pic.twitter.com/Jf4T9hkddL

— Pinstripes Nation (@pinstripesnat) July 13, 2024

Juan Soto added an insurance run in the ninth with an RBI single, solidifying the Yankees’ 4-1 victory.

With the win, the Yankees have a chance to snap the Orioles’ impressive streak of dominance within the AL East. Baltimore boasts a remarkable 22-series unbeaten run against divisional opponents (16-0-6). The Yankees will look to capitalize and end this streak in the remaining games of the series.

The Yankees Roster

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The Baltimore Orioles will turn to their ace, Grayson Rodriguez (11-3), to try and even the series against the Yankees. Rodriguez has had an impressive season so far.

Meanwhile, the Yankees will give the ball to Luis Gil (9-5), who will be looking to redeem himself after a rough outing against the Orioles last month. In that game, Gil was pulled in the second inning after giving up a significant number of runs in a lopsided 17-5 loss for the Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

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