The New York Yankees have been enjoying a great start to the 2024 regular season. They have been looking for redemption this season. Last season did not go as per plans. In fact, it was the worst season in the last 30 years of their franchise history. Moreover, they could not make the postseason for the first time since 2016. The NY side even finished with a terrible 82-80 record. Moreover, they barely managed to maintain the streak of winning seasons. On top of that, they had several injury issues to deal with.
Since then, the Yankees have started the current season with an added motivation to go really deep this year in the playoffs. However, it is still too early to discuss playoff qualifications. But the fans can be glad with the winning momentum that the team is enjoying at present. Lately, the Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays in the first game of the three-game series at Tampa Bay. Clarke Schmidt and Anthony Rizzo were the heroes for the NY side in Game 1.
Clarke Schmidt And Anthony Rizzo Help Yankees Beat Rays In Game 1
The New York Yankees had won the last couple of series against the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros. Currently, they are in Tampa Bay for a three-game series. Moreover, they started the series on a winning note, thanks to Anthony Rizzo hitting a home run and Clarke Schmidt finally shutting down the Rays. Schmidt pitched 6 2/3 innings. But he allowed five hits. Nevertheless, the Yankees beat the home team 2-0 on Friday night. Currently, Clarke is 4-1. On Friday, he struck out six as two other walked. Anyway, Schmidt maintained and, in fact, extended his season-opening run where he allowed three or even lesser runs to eight starts. Moreover, Clarke matched the longest outing of his career.
He got the first couple of outs of the seventh inning. Later, in the post-game interview, the RHP mentioned that he knows very well what he is capable of doing. According to The New York Post, Schmidt added that he believes he can control his pitch count as well as go deeper in games. Moreover, the RHP believes that it has been a big step in the right direction so far. On the other hand, Anthony Rizzo had a RBI single in the fourth inning. Then, against Shawn Armstrong, Rizzo connected on a first pitch home run. Rizzo’s homer helped leading off the ninth inning to help the NY side win for the sixth time in seven outings.
Aaron Boone Pleased With The Game 1 Win
When talking about Clarke Schmidt, the Yankees manager mentioned that the RHP had almost everything going for him. Moreover, Boone said it was a “really sharp performance” from Schmidt. Later, the Yankees skipper talked about Taj Bradley, the Rays starter. Boone revealed that the Rays starter impressed him. Moreover, the manager said Taj was aggressive and had “Got a great arm.”
Anyway, with the loss, the Tampa Bay Rays dropped to 19-20. On the other hand, the Bronx Bombers are currently 26-14. They are doing well as they hold the second spot in the American League East division. Moreover, the fight between the Baltimore Orioles and the NY side for the top spot in their division is getting intense.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.
