ATLANTA — The New York Yankees needed Marcus Stroman to step up Sunday afternoon. He answered the call with authority.
Stroman dominated over six innings, allowing just one run on five hits without issuing a walk in a masterful 95-pitch performance. The right-hander’s gem powered the Yankees to a 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves, securing a series win at Truist Park.
The triumph improved New York’s record to 55-44. More importantly, it built momentum before a pivotal series against the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays.
“That’s always my goal,” Stroman said postgame. “But definitely an emphasis on today just being that we were a little thin [in the bullpen].”
Judge launches Yankees to early advantage
New York wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. The Yankees plated two runs in the opening frame before Stroman threw his first pitch.
Aaron Judge provided the fireworks with his 36th home run of the season. The 409-foot blast to right-center field gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead. Judge’s mammoth shot was his 351st career home run, matching Alex Rodriguez for sixth place in franchise history.
Paul Goldschmidt extended the early surge with an RBI single. His timely hit plated Giancarlo Stanton from second base, pushing the lead to 2-0.
“Big series win, especially going into Toronto, who’s leading the division,” Judge said. “It’s a good time to start getting hot.”
Stroman leads pitching power from the mound
The Yankees entered Sunday with their bullpen severely taxed. Friday’s bullpen game and Will Warren’s short Saturday outing had stretched the relief corps to its limit.
Stroman’s six-inning effort provided the perfect remedy. Manager Aaron Boone deployed a straightforward three-man formula from the seventh inning on: Ian Hamilton, Tim Hill, and closer Devin Williams.
The plan worked almost flawlessly. Devin Williams encountered his only trouble in the ninth when Ronald Acuña Jr. launched a 456-foot home run to lead off the inning. The closer quickly regrouped, retiring the next three batters to secure his 14th save in 15 opportunities.
Boone had ruled out Luke Weaver, Jonathan Loaisiga, JT Brubaker, and Scott Effross before the game.
“It was really just Hamilton to Hill to Devin,” he said afterward. “Obviously, a great job by Stro.”
Spectacular defense shifts momentum
Atlanta mounted a serious threat in the third inning. Michael Harris II and Nick Allen opened with back-to-back singles, putting runners at first and second with nobody out.
The danger evaporated thanks to brilliant defense. Jurickson Profar attempted to bunt, but third baseman Jorbit Vivas made a spectacular diving catch along the foul line.
“That [inning], in a lot of ways, is maybe the game right there,” Boone noted.
Stroman capitalized on the momentum shift immediately. He induced a 1-6-3 double play from Matt Olson’s bat. The pitcher showed quick reflexes on the comebacker, while Anthony Volpe turned two despite receiving a high throw from second base.
“To have him lay out there, I feel like the momentum kind of shifted in our favor,” Stroman said. “To be able to get out of that inning was huge.”
Chisholm and Stanton provide insurance
New York continued adding runs throughout the middle and late innings. The Yankees extended their lead to 3-0 in the sixth when Vivas was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
The Braves answered immediately. Olson crushed a 442-foot solo home run to right field, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
Judge walked to start the seventh inning. Jazz Chisholm Jr. came through with a clutch two-out double to left-center field, driving in Judge and restoring the three-run cushion.
Giancarlo Stanton continued his torrid stretch with three hits. The designated hitter is slashing .393/.469/.786 with three home runs and nine RBIs over his last nine games. His red-hot bat has provided crucial lineup protection and balance.
Rice-Stroman battery shows promise
Stroman’s recent success has coincided with rookie catcher Ben Rice behind the plate. Sunday marked their second strong outing together in a brief partnership that continues developing.
“I thought Ben Rice was awesome behind the dish, just with my pitches and mix going in and out, changing speeds,” Stroman said. “I feel like I was kind of able to execute whatever gameplan he wanted.”
Stroman has posted a 3.00 ERA across 21 innings in four starts since returning from knee inflammation. The timing proves crucial as the Yankees seek rotation stability before the July 31 trade deadline while awaiting Luis Gil’s return.
Following a difficult beginning where Stroman surrendered 12 runs across 9.1 innings during his initial three outings prior to getting injured, the pitcher has dramatically improved by permitting only seven runs throughout 21 innings since his return.
Critical Toronto series awaits
A pivotal three-game set in Toronto looms next. The Blue Jays swept the Yankees in four games during their last meeting just weeks ago.
Toronto enters riding a 28-13 record over their last 41 games. The Blue Jays boast a 10-game home winning streak and hold a three-game division lead over New York.
The Yankees plan to counter with Carlos Rodón, Cam Schlittler, and Max Fried. Boone acknowledges the challenge ahead but embraces the opportunity.
“We’re looking forward to going and we know it’ll be a challenging one,” Boone said. “Hopefully we can go have a better result this time around.”
With Judge locked in, Stroman stabilizing the rotation, and the bullpen reset, the Yankees head to Rogers Centre in improved shape. They have something to prove.
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