The New York Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins 8 to 4 at Yankee Stadium. New York’s starter, Luis Severino lasted only a third of an inning after llowing home runs to Brian Dozier and Eddie Rosario. Despite their disappointing opening pitching, the Yankees made a comeback the only way they know how to: hitting for the fences. Regardless of the final score, it really was an exciting game until the later innings.
How It Was Done
Despite the 3-0 score, Didi Gregorius got to work immediately. The shortstop answered with a home run of his own to tie the game in the bottom of the first. Add to that a one-run home run by Brett Gardner and the Yankees were already leading 4- 3. Minnesota’s small ball brand of baseball was enough to tie the game once again. A run came across the plate while shortstop Jorge Polanco arrived safe on a fielder’s choice during the third inning. That tied the score for one last time, this time at 4.
Unfortunately for the Twins, not much was even from there on. First baseman Greg Bird singled, bringing home a run and putting New York up by one run at the bottom of the third. An inning later, Aaron Judge sealed the deal with a 2-run home run, extending the lead to 7-4. A base on balls to Aaron Hicks with the bases loaded during the bottom of the seventh brought Judge home, adding one more run to the tally and insult to injury.
The Bullpen Hero
Given the fact that Severino barely completed a third of an inning, manager Joe Girardi was forced to turn to the bullpen in a win or go home kind of situation. With that came Chad Green in the reliever role. However, it was not him who got the attention. It was pitcher David Robertson that came up strongest for the Bronx Bombers. Pitching three and one third spotless innings. holding the lead for Tommy Kahnle. Once Aroldis Chapman came in to close things up, the game was history.
Now that the Wild Card game is over, the Yankees will clash with Cleveland Indians at the American League Divisional Series.