It seems as though the #SellSellSell movement has been put on hold, at least for one night. The Yankees moved a game over .500 with a 7-1 victory over the Orioles Tuesday night. If they win Wednesday, the Yankees will tie their season high at two games over.
New York led comfortably all game, knocking out Baltimore starter Vance Worley in the fifth inning. Worley struggled with his command for most of the night, tossing 89 pitches and walking four in just 4.1 innings.
The biggest threat came with one out and two on in the top of the 6th inning. Anthony Swarzak was called on to replace Nate Eovaldi, who had just given up the Orioles’ first run of the night. Looking to preserve a 3-1 lead, Swarzak calmly rose to the challenge, inducing two foul pop ups to Rob Refsnyder and Didi Gregorius.
THE PLAY: CASTRO SENDS ONE TO CUBA (+.201 WPA)
Starlin Castro had himself a night. In the second inning, he took starter Vance Worley deep to put the Yankees on the board 2-0 and they never looked back. The blast was Castro’s 11th of the season.
TOP PERFORMERS
Orioles — Joey Rickard: 2-for-4, 2B, RBI
Yankees — Starlin Castro: 2-for-4, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
NOTES
— Eovaldi pitched one of his best games of the season through five innings. He had given up just two hits and walked none before allowing the O’s to score in the sixth. After being moved to the bullpen recently, Tuesday was a good audition for Eovaldi if the Yankees end up trading him.
— Jacoby Ellsbury recorded his NINTH catcher interference of the season, which sets an MLB record. It was the 23rd of his career.
— Not only did Swarzak keep his cool in the 6th, he pitched 2.2 perfect innings in relief. Needing just 27 pitches, Swarzak set down all 8 batters he faced, striking out two.
THE HIGHLIGHT: HEADLEY HOMERS
With the game already firmly in the books, Chase Headley decided to add a couple insurance runs just in case. Headley launched a 2-run shot to right-center field, his ninth on the year. After a dismal start to 2016, Headley has his slash line up to .252/.327/.390.
UP NEXT
The Yankees continue their series against the O’s at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday. Expect some offense, as Michael Pineda (3-9, 5.56 ERA) takes the hill against Yovani Gallardo (3-1, 5.77 ERA).
Photo credit: Anthony Gruppuso / USA TODAY Sports