Yankees 7-3 Mariners: Big offensive guns dazzle in 4-home run game

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New York Yankees 7-3 Seattle Mariners

NEW YORK — With two home runs from Juan Soto and additional shots from Aaron Judge and Alex Verdugo, the New York Yankees snapped their first two-game losing streak in three weeks, securing a 7-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night.

Nestor Cortes turned in a tough performance, pitching five scoreless innings for the American League-leading Yankees (34-17). This win marks their third consecutive victory when both Aaron Judge and Juan Soto hit home runs.

The duo combined for three opposite-field home runs against Bryce Miller (3-5). Soto, who enjoyed his second multi-homer game of the homestand and the 19th of his career, drove in three runs. He now has 13 home runs and 40 RBIs for the season, while Judge has 14 home runs (11 since late April) and 34 RBIs.

The Yankees built a strong 5-0 lead before Seattle mounted a threat in the eighth inning. Cal Raleigh smashed a three-run homer off Luke Weaver, ending his impressive 18-inning scoreless streak. However, Alex Verdugo countered with a two-run homer off Austin Voth in the bottom half, securing the win for New York.

Yankees Unleash Early Power, Soto Goes Deep Twice

The Yankees’ top hitters came to life in this showdown between division leaders. On the game’s first pitch, Judge blasted a Bryce Miller slider into the right-field seats following an infield single by Anthony Volpe. This home run increased the Yankees’ MLB-leading total of first-inning homers to 15, with Judge contributing an impressive seven.

Not to be outshone, Juan Soto crushed a full-count sinker into the left-field bullpen during the third inning, also after a Volpe single. Soto’s hot streak continued in the fifth inning when he hammered Miller’s first-pitch sinker for another home run. He showcased his characteristic style, admiring his first homer and watching the second before starting his celebratory jog.

The Yankees’ power hitters brought more than just their on-field performance; they energized the crowd as well. During an eighth-inning pitching change, Judge, Soto, and Verdugo engaged the fans by leading spirited cheers from different sections of the bleachers, turning the game into a true spectacle.

Cortes Grinds Through, Yankees Pitching Streak Continues

Nestor Cortes showcased a gritty effort, navigating a challenging Seattle lineup. Despite giving up three hits and three walks, he managed to strike out six batters. The Mariners forced Cortes to work hard, extending at-bats and driving up his pitch count with 22 foul balls in the first three innings alone. He endured lengthy innings, throwing 27 pitches in both the first and third innings and 20 in the second.

One particularly hard-hit ball nearly caused trouble for Cortes. In the third inning, Mitch Garver sent a deep drive to left field that fell just a foot short of the wall. In 11 other ballparks, it would have been a home run, but Garver had to settle for a single. Fortunately, Cortes escaped the inning unscathed when Cal Raleigh grounded out.

Cortes continues to dominate at home, boasting an impressive 3-1 record with a minuscule 1.13 ERA at Yankee Stadium. However, his performances on the road have been less stellar, with a 0-3 record and a 6.75 ERA. On a positive note, the Yankees pitching staff has maintained an impressive streak, marking their 10th consecutive start where a pitcher has gone at least five innings while allowing two runs or fewer. This accomplishment mirrors the team’s performances in 1968 and 1997.

Yankees Bullpen Bolstered by Kahnle’s Return

The Yankees bullpen received a significant boost with the return of right-hander Tommy Kahnle. After dealing with shoulder inflammation, Kahnle made a triumphant comeback, quickly getting into the action. He sprinted from the bullpen, unleashed fastballs, and pitched a flawless sixth inning.

In contrast, Seattle’s Bryce Miller struggled on the mound. After an impressive April, where he achieved a 3-2 record with a remarkable 2.04 ERA in six starts, Miller stumbled in May. His recent performances have seen him give up five runs and five hits in six innings, raising his ERA to a worrisome 5.87 over four outings this month.

On the Mariners’ side, there was also some roster activity. The team selected the contract of left-hander Jhonathan Díaz from their Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers. However, Díaz was given the option to decline the move, which he accepted. Despite this, Díaz had a strong showing in the minors, posting a 6-1 record with a solid 3.18 ERA across eight starts and one relief appearance.

The Yankees Roster

Up Next

Starting for the Yankees in tomorrow’s series finale is right-handed pitcher Luis Gil, who has an impressive 5-1 record and a tiny 2.39 ERA. Facing him on the mound for the Seattle Mariners will be right-hander Luis Castillo, with a 4-5 record and a solid 3.28 ERA.

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