The chants echoed through Yankee Stadium late Wednesday night, reaching a crescendo as Juan Soto sent his second home run of the game soaring into the left-field seats. Amidst the fervent cries of “M-V-P!,” Soto raised his hands, acknowledging the adoring fans. This game was not just another victory; it was a statement. After losing the first two games of the series to the Mariners, breaking their seven-game win streak and marking the first time this month they’d dropped two in a row, the Yankees rebounded emphatically with a 7-3 win, showcasing some ridiculous stats in the process.
Is dominant pitching the backbone of Yankees’ 2024 success?
In the last 10 games, Yankees starting pitchers have been nothing short of spectacular. They’ve combined for 62.1 innings pitched with a microscopic 1.01 ERA, striking out 63 batters while walking only 15, and holding opponents to a .171 batting average. Impressively, Yankees starters have thrown at least 5.0 innings and allowed 2 runs or fewer in 10 consecutive games, tying the longest such streak in franchise history.
Nestor Cortes continued this trend with five scoreless innings against Seattle, striking out six and allowing just three hits and three walks. His performance lowered his home ERA to a remarkable 1.11 in six starts at Yankee Stadium this season. Cortes’s dominance at home has been a key factor, with the Yankees going 4-2 in his home starts. Conversely, his road struggles have been pronounced, with a 6.75 ERA away from the Bronx.
Aaron Boone lauded Cortes’s effort, highlighting the extra velocity on his fastball and cutter: “He had really good stuff tonight. He had a little extra power. The fastball was fuzzy tonight, and the cutter, everything was uptick. … Set the tone for us tonight.”
Aaron Judge and Juan Soto lead the Yankees’ offensive charge
The Yankees’ offense was equally impressive, led by Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. The duo’s performance underscored their importance to the team’s success. The Yankees are now 9-0 when both Judge and Soto record an RBI in a game.
Soto’s two home runs marked his second multi-homer game of the season, tying him for the second most in MLB behind Kyle Tucker. His ability to deliver in key moments has been a boon for the Yankees. Soto’s 2024 season has been a dream, with the superstar maintaining focus amidst constant speculation about his future.
“It’s unbelievable,” Soto said after the game. “All I’ve got to do is turn around and they go crazy. I know it’s a lot of Dominicans; they all want me to say hi. I try to say hi to everybody, but I’ve got to be focused on the game, too.”
Judge, on the other hand, continued his sensational May, where he leads MLB with a 1.392 OPS. His two-run homer in the first inning set the tone for the game.
“I’m enjoying every part of it,” Soto said about his experience in New York. “I’m having fun with it. You never know how long it’s going to be like that, so you try to enjoy every second, soak it all in, and keep going.”
The game also marked the third time this season that Judge and Soto have homered in the same game. The Yankees won each of these games, highlighting the synergy between the two sluggers. Yankees’ dynamic duo of Judge and Soto has also drawn comparisons to some of the franchise’s greatest. They are the first Yankees teammates since Lou Gehrig and Frankie Crosetti in 1936 to have 100+ total bases and 30+ walks through the first 50 games of a season. Only and Babe Ruth (1926, 1930, 1931) have accomplished this feat more often.
Judge and Soto’s ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively has been a cornerstone of the Yankees’ success. Their contributions have been invaluable, and their chemistry is evident both on and off the field.
With the win, the Yankees improved to an American League-best 34th win. For now, Yankees fans can take one deep breath of relief. If someone mentioned that we would be starting 2024 like this in the offseason, I would take it with my eyes closed. Only problems of plenty for the starting pitchers, infield, and outfield lie ahead with Gerrit Cole, DJ LaMahieu, and Jasson Dominguez taking steps closer to their return. Can the Yanks continue this solid form? What do you think? Leave your comment below!
