The Yankees won a tough game with the Orioles 6-5 in Baltimore on Monday night. New York needed a little bit of everything to get the job done. Despite only reaching base five times against Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen, who threw a quality start, the Yankees made the most of their opportunities as two of their four hits against Chen went out to left field courtesy of Chris Young and Mark Teixeira. Once the Orioles went to the bullpen, the Yankees pounced as the first two men reached against Tommy Hunter in the seventh. With two outs, Jacoby Ellsbury singled, which set the stage for Stephen Drew’s improbable pinch-hit grand slam.
Top WPA Play:
(.604 WPA)
Bottom WPA Play: As I mentioned above, the Yankees needed contributions from almost the entire 25-man roster to come away with this victory. Dellin Betances entered the game in relief of Michael Pineda in the seventh and despite control issues, he was able to escape the inning with the Yankees still leading. In the eighth, he allowed a single to Adam Jones, but was bailed out when John Ryan Murphy cut down Jones at second base on an attempted steal (-.159 WPA).
Key Moment: The caught stealing narrowly edged out Betances’ strikeout of Chris Davis with the bases loaded to end the seventh for bottom WPA play. It was great to see Betances gather himself and focus during the Davis at-bat as he seemed to be rushing for most of the inning. Despite the lack of control he continues to display, this big strikeout with the game in the balance has to boost Betances’ confidence.
(-.155 WPA)
Trend to Watch: It seemed like Joe Girardi may have pushed his pitchers to go deeper in the game than he might have if his bullpen wasn’t still feeling the effects of a 19-inning game in the first week of the season. Michael Pineda faced 26 batters and threw 98 pitches before it was clear he needed to be removed. Girardi also allowed Betances and Andrew Miller to face six batters each. The entire team is likely looking forward to having an off day on Thursday, but the bullpen could really use it.
Up Next: The Yankees will face the Orioles again tomorrow night as CC Sabathia takes on Miguel Gonzalez. Each club is 3-4 on the season now.