Yankees young brigade fends off Dodgers 4-1 to win series
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New York Yankees 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 1
LOS ANGELES — In a tightly contested game marked by a pitchers’ duel between Domingo Germán and Bobby Miller, the New York Yankees secured a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. Anthony Rizzo‘s run in the eighth inning, driven by a well-placed grounder, proved to be the decisive moment in the game.
In the absence of their star player Aaron Judge, who sustained a right foot injury during a remarkable catch on Saturday, the New York Yankees received a boost of insurance in the ninth inning courtesy of Anthony Volpe’s two-run home run. Volpe’s contribution added to the team’s lead and provided them with a cushion against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered consecutive defeats in the series finale, with J.D. Martinez hitting a home run for the team.
The victory was credited to Clay Holmes, who entered the game and pitched one inning. Wandy Peralta sealed the win by recording the final four outs, earning his fourth save of the season.
Germán and Miller engaged in a pitching duel, keeping the opposing teams scoreless. The first six innings saw a total of just four hits between both teams.
In his third start, Dodgers’ rookie Miller showcased his impressive skills by allowing just one hit over six innings. This remarkable feat made him the first Dodgers pitcher since at least 1901 to achieve such a remarkable record of allowing one hit or fewer within his first three big league starts. The 24-year-old right-hander displayed his talent by striking out seven batters and issuing only two walks.
Despite a somewhat challenging start in the first inning, Miller, who was selected as the 29th overall pick in the 2020 amateur draft, displayed resilience and potential. Despite throwing 27 pitches in the opening frame, he managed to strike out three batters but also issued two walks. His ability to overcome the initial difficulties showcased his determination and promising talent.
Miller showcased his dominance on the mound by retiring seven consecutive batters from the third to the fifth innings. However, his impressive streak was interrupted when Volpe delivered a sharp line drive to center field, resulting in a well-placed base hit with two outs in the fifth.
Germán demonstrated his pitching prowess by lasting 6 and 2/3 innings on the mound, surrendering just one run and four hits. Among those hits was Martinez’s solo home run in the seventh inning, which leveled the score at 1-1. Germán has been exceptional in recent outings, holding his opponents to one run or less in four out of his last six starts.
In the seventh inning, the Yankees managed to score the game’s initial run. Jake Bauers led off with a single, and with one out, he advanced to third base due to an errant throw by Brusdar Graterol on Isiah Kiner-Falefa‘s bunt. Graterol attempted to field the bunt along the third-base line but made an inaccurate throw into the right field as there was no one covering first base.
Following Graterol’s error that resulted in runners on second and third base, Kyle Higashioka came to bat and hit a ground ball with a broken bat. Shortstop Chris Taylor fielded the ball but had no choice but to make the throw to first base, allowing Jake Bauers to cross home plate and score.
In the following inning, Martinez leveled the score with a solo home run that sailed to the left-center field. This impressive blast marked his tenth home run in the past 21 games.
In the eighth inning, the Yankees regained the lead. Rizzo patiently earned a walk-off Evan Phillips with one out, and he advanced to third base thanks to Stanton’s double to the left-center field. Cabrera came through with a crucial play, driving in the go-ahead run with a slow-rolling ground ball that forced second baseman Miguel Vargas to make a throw to first base.
Volpe added to the lead by launching a fastball from Caleb Ferguson over the left-center field wall. The impressive home run marked Volpe’s ninth of the season, solidifying his position as one of the top power-hitting rookies in the American League.
UP NEXT
Following their road trip, the Yankees will head back to their home stadium for a series of six games beginning on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox. Right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt, who holds a 2-5 record with a 5.01 ERA, has showcased consistency by pitching at least five innings in six of his last eight starts.
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