The American League Division Series kicked off between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals. The rumble in the Bronx resulted in a close game and a 6-5 victory for the Yankees. Some key takeaways shaped the results in this game and may set an understanding as the series moves forward.
Takeaways From Yankees ALDS Game 1 Win
Key Takeaways: Gerrit Cole Dealt But His Offerings Were Spotty And Vulnerable
Gerrit Cole took the mound once again as the Yankees most trusted starter. His veteran presence set the tone, owning the environment in the Bronx. Cole did not look at his best demeanor with his best stuff.
Cole’s delivery was spotty, and his approach seemed uneasy. He did throw a ton of strikes, and sometimes, that was somewhat startling in certain situations. The right-hander threw 80 pitches with 56 strikes.
His pitch selection kept him right in the zone, hovering somewhat over the wheelhouse and lingering on the protective parts of the plate. The Royals made solid contact but ran themselves out in groundouts and flyouts.
The Yankees starter had 13 called strikes, six swinging strikes, 20 foul balls, and 17 in-play strikes. He recorded one groundout and nine flyouts. The Royals got under a few, placing air under the ball. The first flyout was the first out of the game; this was on the warning track.
Nonetheless, Cole got his job done. Despite the seven hits and four runs (three earned), he recorded four strikeouts and two walks in five innings of work. He got a no-decision while Clay Holmes picked up the win.
Offensive Focus: Yankees Struggling With Runners In Scoring Position
The Yankees struggled with the bat tonight. They’re runs and base runners were somewhat donations, and they barely took advantage of it. The Yankees were two for 13 with runners in scoring position.
The Yankees took eight free bags on walks and had nine total hits. They scored twice while threatening on the pads. The Bronx Bombers did not live up to their name; especially with the big names in the lineup.
Aaron Judge went 0-2 tonight with a walk. Giancarlo Stanton went 0-4 with a walk and a strikeout. Anthony Volpe went 0-3 with a walk and a strikeout, and Oswaldo Cabrera went 1-4 with a hit and three strikeouts.
Yankees hitters wasted many opportunities to capitalize. The Royals awarded free gifts, and the Yankees could not create the separation.
Yankees Select Their Late-Game Stopper To Save A Nail-Biting Series Opener
Ironically, Clay Holmes, who warmed up three times in the pen, picked up the win after one and 2 / 3 innings of work. The Yankees saw fit for him to mid-relief. Aaron Boone also saw fit that right-hander Luke Weaver be the stopper in the ninth.
Weaver came out hot and threw 17 strikes of 24 pitches, striking out the side in 1.1 innings of work. He was composed and pounded the zone, staying off the track of danger. The right-hander poses a lot of positives in his outings. His stuff was electric, and his offerings were calculated. This option in the closer role seems to be the trick for Aaron Boone and his bullpen.
Main Photo Credits: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
