The New York Yankees’ second-half resumption was underwhelming as they lost 2 and won a game against the Tampa Bay Rays in a four-game home series. The offensive lackluster continued to be a pressing point as the Yanks appeared to be lacking intent and an attacking approach on the plate.
However, the New York Yankees finally broke through the shackles on Monday. During the series finale, the entire Yankee offensive lineup came together to contribute, with infield duo DJ LeMahieu and Anthony Volpe ending their prolonged home run drought in a 9-1 mega win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Volpe Ends 50-Game Homerless Streak
Monday’s series finale between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays was a run fest for the hosts as the majority of the offensive lineup scored crucial runs to fetch a 9-1 major victory. Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe went back-to-back with solo home runs to add the first runs on the board for the team. Notably, shortstop Volpe, who had hit six home runs in his first 44 games, failed to go deep in the next 56. He broke through the long streak to slam his seventh-season homer. Volpe was struggling as he entered the All-Star break with .171 with a .433 OPS in the last 35 games. However, since the second half resumed, the kid is hitting 6-for-14 with two doubles and a home run.
Additionally, DJ LeMahieu, the veteran third baseman who was benched the other night, hit a sweep of Zack Littell to score his season’s first home run, thus elevating the Yankees’ lead to 5-1. LeMahieu entered the finale with a 57-game homerless streak since his last long hit came in September 2023. Since returning from a foot injury this season, the infielder went 0-for his last 18 and batted at just a .176 average. Amid talks of his permanent axing, the veteran redeemed himself to earn a few more every day starts from here on. Meanwhile, Oswaldo Cabrera, who replaced Gleyber Torres at second base, had a strong outing as well. He went 2-for-4 with a two-run single, thus extending his multiple-hit streak to six games. Additionally, outfielder Alex Verdugo also spanned off his 0-for-20 skid to record a single in the sixth inning. With that, the Yankees split the four-game series 2-2 with Rays.
Carlos Rodon Finally Delivers A Dominating Start For Yankees
After a couple of underwhelming starts, starting pitcher Carlos Rodon pitched exactly how he was supposed to. For the first time this year, Rodon lasted seven innings in New York Yankees 9-1 win over Tampa Bay Rays. The Southpaw used his fastballs to the point, along with two changeups, one curveball, and one slider.
“Yeah, I think we featured a little more fastball. We moved around a little bit more, and the more I do it, the more comfortable I get,” Carlos Rodon said in his game plan for a successful start. With that, the starting pitcher’s ERA improved to 4.63 with a 9-7 win-loss record. Rodon has managed to stay healthy this year, which is indirectly helping with consistency.
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