The New York Yankees displayed a promising glimpse of a rebound season in the opening-day matchup against the Houston Astros on Thursday. Despite the Astros getting an early lead, the hitters pulled things back to register a narrow 5-4 win in the ninth inning.
Besides offensive positives, the New York Yankees welcomed generational talent Juan Soto into the Yankee family. And on debut itself, Soto left an ever-lasting impact by retaining Yanks’ lead in the ninth innings. Lauding Soto’s defensive efforts, captain Aaron Judge endorsed the generational talent’s sensational presence in the heavyweight lineup.
Juan Soto Saves The Day For Yankees With Stellar Defensive Play
The New York Yankees took on Houston Astros for the opening day of the 2024 MLB season and registered a thriller 5-4 victory. Astros grabbed an early lead into the game before debutant Juan Soto drove an RBI single in the fifth innings, thus marking his first hit as a Yankee. His RBI was followed by Oswaldo Cabrera and Gleyber Torres’ three-run tally as the Yanks gained a 4-3 lead. Moreover, after Cabrera equaled the scores with a season-first homer, Alex Verdugo provided a lead in the seventh innings. However, the Astros inched closer and created a scoring opportunity in the ninth inning. With two bases covered, Tucker connected a hit to right field to fetch an RBI. However, Soto’s electrifying throw at home foiled the Astros’ plan.
The runner at home was declared out, and the New York Yankees were announced as opening-day winners. Needless to say, the captain, Aaron Judge, was jubilant with the team’s collective efforts, including Juan Soto. In a post-game interview, Judge referred to Soto’s extraordinary debut as a Yankee classic moment. “It speaks volumes about the type of player he is and the type of presence he has,” Judge said. Reacting to the awe-inspiring play, Soto said he couldn’t see the runner due to a blind spot in the field. But he knew he had to throw at home plate to keep the Astros from extending their lead, and that’s exactly what he did. Soto used his game awareness to avert an opening day disaster for the Bronx Bombers, thus announcing his arrival in style. With a splashing debut, Juan Soto has set the stage for a successful season in pinstripes.
Yanks Place Five Players On IL Ahead Of Opening Day!
In a major roster scuffle ahead of opening day, the New York Yankees placed as many as five major leagues on IL. Gerrit Cole will serve 60 days apart with an elbow nerve inflammation injury. Besides the ace pitcher, Oswald Peraza and DJ LeMahieu have been placed on 10-day IL with respective injuries.
Relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle is down with a right shoulder inflammation injury and will serve 15 days on IL.RHP McKinley Moore is suffering from a niggle in the knee and will remain away for two weeks. With that, the Yankees finalized their 40-man roster, which saw the promotion of RHP Nick Burdi and right-handed starting pitcher Luis Gil.
Follow Sports News International for more news and updates about the New York Yankees and your favorite MLB team.
