The New York Yankees’ series opener against the Los Angeles Angels didn’t go as planned as Anthony Rizzo’s gaffe and Clay Holmes’ early entry availed two runs in the 8th inning as the Yanks lost 4-3 to trail by 1-0 in the three-game series. And the second game also started on a horror note.
In the first innings itself, the New York Yankees lost multiple scoring opportunities and manager Aaron Boone over a bizarre interference call on generational star Juan Soto. Boone’s heated argument with umpires led to an ejection, and the team also ended up losing two batters in a controversial double play.
Aaron Boone Faces Ejection For Protesting Interference Call On Juan Soto
The New York Yankees put the Angels under pressure in the first innings of game 2 on Wednesday, when they had bases loaded with no outs. However, things took an ugly turn over a bizarre double-play call. Giancarlo Stanton was summoned in the batter’s box to drive the runners home. And Stanton played smart to pop a sacrifice fly out. However, the pop stayed in the infield and was called out as per the infield fly rule even before it reached the ground. Now, the Angels shortstop was adjusting himself to attempt a catch, and he wasn’t aware of Juan Soto marching his way back to second base, and that misunderstanding caused a collision. The shortstop lost his balance and dropped the ball.
However, things got heated when the umpired called out Juan Soto for interfering with the play. Soto was shocked and pleaded his case. Yankees manager Aaron Boone stormed into the field fuming over the double play call and had a heated and animated argument with the umpiring crew. Not only was the call not reversed, but Boone also ended up facing ejection for the second time this season. Eventually, the Yanks busted all the scoring opportunities and walked away with zero runs in the first innings. Fortunately, the Bronx Bombers were able to cover up ground in the fourth and seventh innings to take a 2-1 win and stay alive in the three-game series. Starting pitcher Luis Gil was once again phenomenal as he pitched his career-best 8 innings and allowed just 1 earned run, two hits, and two walks while striking out 9 hitters.
Luis Gil Exceeds Yankees Expectations With 8-Inning Start
New York Yankees back-up starter Luis Gil is walking toe to toe with some of the most prolific pitchers in the league with his exceptional talent that surprised the Yanks let alone the whole league. He pitched 8 innings start against Angels and allowed only 1 earned run on two hits and as many walks.
Luis Gil also struck out 9 Angels hitters as his season ERA has now lowered down to 1.99 ERA through 11 starts. Notably, Gil was a last minute addition to Yankees starting rotation as Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury left a vacant space. Regardless, Gil has managed to exceed all expectations to make a strong case of his retention following Cole’s much anticipated return.
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