.png)
It's always exciting when LA is in town. The star power of two MVP's, (future) Yankee Mike Trout and the second coming of Babe Ruth (Shohei Ohtani) are always must watch television, however the Yankees were more happy to see some old friends. It was the Tyler Wade and Andrew "Squid" Velazquez returned back home, both now with prominent roles in the Angels infield.
Besides the Hi's and Hello's, the duo struggled, combining for 1-14 in their homecoming. Jersey Boy Mike Trout had a treacherous game in Centerfield, and was no better at the plate (0-10, 1BB). MVP Ohtani went a mere 2-12 with a walk as well. His pitching wasn't strong either, only lasting three innings in the final game.
To kickoff the series, Noah Syndergaard makes his New York return. Remember the days of dying to have Thor in Pinstripes? The Yankees weren't too kind on his return. He got just one swinging strike among 45 pitches, averaging 94 mph with his fastball. He allowed five runs, seven hits and a walk. RBI's all around for the fellas. DJ, Jose, Judge, Gleyber, Carpenter, and Rizzo. Monty pitched a nice outing. 7 innings, 4 hits, one run and 4 strikeouts. Just a pitch perfect day.
We then got hit with a rain delay, which made Thursday a double-header. Future All-Star starter Nestor Cortes did NOT disappoint. His season has just been incredible to watch and you know the outcome before he steps on the mound. 7 innings, 5 hits, and 7ks. 1.50 ERA for the year. I mean, are you kidding? Not only did he outpitch Sho-Time, he even picked him off too.
Like I mentioned before, Ohtani wasn't on his Ace game. 8 hits and 4 earned runs in only three innings. The long ball was his enemy. Carpenter, Gleyber, and Judge all
Matt Carpenter has been such a delight. Same with the resurgence for Torres and Judge's MVP season.
The grand finale of the sweep was an absolute gem. Jameson Taillon is THAT DUDE!!! How about a perfect game into the eighth inning? What a thrill. It was the longest a Yankee pitcher went into a perfect game since Chien-Ming Wang in 2007. What a throwback. When the Yankees cruise through the playoffs, Jamo is one of your guys, and I'm thankful he's found his rhythm. After his performance, he now owns a 5-1 with a 2.30 ERA and five walks in 58 2/3 innings.
The bats were quiet until the bottom of the 8th, where Anthony Rizzo popped in a 2 run RBI. Their now 36-15, the best in baseball. This team has it all.
That's now 8 straight losses for the Halos. Yikes. The team had some spunk but seem to hit a rough patch. I feel bad, this team is wasting away the primes of two perennial talents.
Speaking of old friends with the Angels, former Yankees backstop Austin Romine, was just released from the club. Higgy is cold as ever, and Ben Rortvedt is still on the IL. With Jose Trevino the only valid option behind the plate, could a reunion be in play?
Photo: AP
Remember the times where the Yankees starters were the death of the team? Matt Blake has turned the tables. The starters have thrown at least six innings in seven straight starts. They've posted a 1.73 ERA in their last 12, and have only allowed zero or one runs in nine of those games. Just magnificent.
Up next is AL Central Week. A rematch against the Tigers and another homecoming against the Twins. It'll be nice to see Gary and Gio, but a sweep against the division leaders would be sweeter. Let the wins keep rolling in.