Yankees 6-5 Phillies: Bombers complete surprise sweep with DJ LeMahieu’s career day
- July 31, 2024
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Follow UsNew York Yankees 6-5 Philadelphia Phillies
In a series full of unexpected twists, the New York Yankees pulled off a surprising three-game sweep of the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies, clinching it with a nail-biting 6-5 victory on Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park.
How it happened
The hero of the day was DJ LeMahieu, who, at a crossroads in his career, delivered a performance for the ages. Facing Phillies lefty Cristopher Sanchez, LeMahieu drove in all six of the Yankees’ runs, including a pivotal grand slam in the second inning. Initially ruled a double, the call was overturned on review, giving LeMahieu his third career grand slam. He added a two-run double in the sixth, solidifying his contribution and sending the Yankees home on a five-game road winning streak.
Nestor Cortes was solid on the mound, retiring the first nine Phillies he faced in order. Utilizing his signature hesitation deliveries, Cortes kept the Phillies off balance through the first three innings. He allowed a couple of runs in the fourth and a solo homer to Weston Wilson in the fifth, but overall, it was a strong outing for the lefty. Cortes pitched 5.1 innings, giving up three earned runs on three hits, striking out six and walking two, lowering his season ERA to 4.16.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was kept in the yard for the first time this series, but he added a single in the second inning, giving him six hits in three games against the Phillies. It was a rare off day for Aaron Judge, who struck out three times against Sanchez and four times overall, going 0-for-4.
The Yankees bullpen didn’t make this one easy. Luke Weaver allowed a run on a pair of hits in the seventh, and the newly acquired Mark Leiter Jr. struggled in the eighth, loading the bases before striking out Brandon Marsh to escape the jam. After blowing the save on Tuesday night, Clay Holmes allowed a leadoff single to Kyle Schwarber in the ninth, but an Austin Hays flyout to the warning track and a double play off the bat of Bryce Harper sealed the game and the sweep for New York.
LeMahieu’s performance couldn’t have come at a better time for the Yankees, who needed a spark amid a season of ups and downs. Coming into the game, LeMahieu was hitting just .173 with one home run and 13 RBIs, but his bat came alive when the team needed it most.
In the second inning, with the bases loaded, LeMahieu launched a deep fly ball to left-center that was initially ruled in play. However, after a brief review, the call was overturned to a grand slam, giving the Yankees an early 4-0 lead. The Phillies fought back, scoring three runs to narrow the gap, but LeMahieu provided insurance in the sixth with a two-run double.
The Yankees’ defense also played a crucial role in securing the win. With the game on the line in the bottom of the ninth, Holmes faced Bryce Harper with a runner on first. Harper, who has been struggling at the plate, grounded into a game-ending double play, sending the Yankees into a celebratory frenzy.
This sweep against a strong Phillies team gives the Yankees momentum as they head back to New York. They have an off day on Thursday before starting a nine-game homestand on Friday, when the Toronto Blue Jays come to town. Marcus Stroman is set to start for the Yankees, looking to continue the team’s winning ways.
Roster
Up next
The Yankees will enjoy a well-deserved day off on Thursday before beginning a nine-game homestand. The Toronto Blue Jays will be the first visitors to Yankee Stadium, with Marcus Stroman taking the mound for New York on Friday.
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