Not everything has to be a nailbiter! But that’s what last night became, as the Yankees’ pitching staff had to settle for merely a Paul Goldschmidt solo shot of support and go from there. Cam Schlittler, Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn, and David Bednar made it hold up, enabled by a huge outfield assist from Cody Bellinger to nail Ceddanne Rafaela at the plate.
For everyone in the Bronx’s own sanity, it was vital to win the opener of this four-game set. It could easily get nutty and turn into an absolute disaster from here of course, but if the Yankees were starting off on the back foot? Boy, it would be an uncomfortable couple days. Now, to see how the Yanks handle this twin bill. Let us hope that they score more than a single run in each game.
Today on the site, Matt will ponder the playoff format given the imbalance across the American League, Peter will run through the Rivalry Roundup, and Nick will write up our second consecutive 76th birthday, this time saluting a forgotten late-’70s teammate of the just-discussed Ron Guidry, George Zeber. Later, Matt will return to assemble a team of all-August birthdays. Then it’s doubleheader time!
Today’s Matchup(s):
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox
Time: 1:05 p.m. EST (Game 1); 7:15 p.m. EST (Game 2)
TV: YES/NESN/MLB Network (Game 1); Fox (Game 2)
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Questions/Prompts:
1. What’s your prediction for this doubleheader? Yankees sweep? Red Sox sweep? Split? Midday armageddon?
2. Who has the better start today, Carlos Rodón or Max Fried?
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