Stroman’s Redemption
Marcus Stroman, the seasoned right-hander, had an impressive comeback on Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field after a rough spring start. In his last outing, Stroman struggled, giving up four runs (including two home runs) in just 2.2 innings. However, this time around, he regained his composure and pitched three innings relatively effortlessly. The only bump in the road came in the second inning when Nathan Lukes capitalized on a hanging curveball, sending it over the right-center field wall. Despite this, Stroman managed to keep the Blue Jays at bay, inducing four groundball outs and striking out a pair. His final line for the evening was one run on two hits, with two strikeouts in three innings (50 pitches, 33 strikes). It was a much-needed performance that showcased his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Offensive Firepower
The Yankees’ offense was a highlight of the night, with Austin Wells and Cody Bellinger leading the charge. Wells, the leadoff hitter, wasted no time in making his presence felt, launching a 0-2 sinker from Yariel Rodriguez just over the right field wall, a 326-foot wall-scraper. This marked his second home run of the spring, indicating his growing confidence at the plate. Two batters later, Bellinger added to the momentum with a powerful 384-foot homer that left the park at an exit velocity of 107.7 mph, putting the Yankees up 2-0. Bellinger’s second home run of the spring demonstrated his ability to hit for power, a crucial asset for the team. Both Wells and Bellinger finished strong, with Wells going 2-for-3 and Bellinger 2-for-2.
Third Base Contenders
Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas, two of the Yankees’ third base prospects, were in the starting lineup but not playing their preferred positions. Peraza, known for his defensive prowess at shortstop, stayed there, while Vivas was at second base. Andrew Velazquez, a veteran hoping to earn a spot on the team, started at third base in his second stint with the Yankees. Peraza had a quiet night, finishing 0-for-1 with a walk. Vivas, on the other hand, showed his hitting potential, going 2-for-2 and driving in a run with an RBI single in the fourth inning. Velazquez struggled, going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts. The competition for the third base spot is heating up, and each player’s performance is crucial in the final weeks of spring training.
Mid-Game Struggles
The Yankees’ momentum took a hit in the fifth inning when things began to unravel. Eric Reyzelman and Luis Velasquez combined to give up four runs, with Reyzelman allowing three earned runs and Velasquez one. The Blue Jays capitalized on several doubles, with most of the hits being well-struck. The inning could have ended sooner, but a controversial call at second base kept the bases loaded. Nathan Lukes, who had earlier homered, was called safe on a stolen base attempt despite seeming to lose contact with the bag and Peraza applying a tag. Lukes subsequently scored on Addison Barger’s double to deep center, bringing the score to 4-2. Replay review is not available in spring training games, adding a layer of frustration for the Yankees.
Key Performances
Aaron Judge, the reigning AL MVP, had a quieter night at the plate, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. His spring performance has been inconsistent, with a current batting average of .125. Paul Goldschmidt, pinch-hitting for the Yankees, also had a tough time, finishing 0-for-3 with a strikeout and a spring average of .182. These off nights are not uncommon in spring training, but they highlight the ongoing adjustments and preparations for the upcoming season. On a more positive note, Dominic Smith, who started in left field, is making a strong case to earn a roster spot. The veteran slugger went 1-for-3 and is hitting .294 this spring. Everson Pereira, another player fighting for a roster spot, came through in the eighth inning with a pinch-hit home run that traveled 406 feet at an exit velocity of 107.5 mph, tying the game at 5-5. Pereira’s second home run of the spring and his solid .400 batting average this spring are sure to catch the coaching staff’s eye.
Game-Winning Drama
The Yankees sealed their victory in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the ninth inning. With the game tied at 5-5, one out, and men on second and third, Cole Gabrielson stepped up to the plate and hit a liner toward the centerfielder. The fielder dove for the ball but failed to make the catch, and the ball trickled away, allowing two runs to score. This walk-off win not only lifted the Yankees’ spirits but also underlined the importance of clutch hitting and situational awareness in the lineup. Gabrielson, who had earlier driven in a run with a single in the eighth, became the hero of the night, capping off a memorable comeback for the team.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees will hit the road on Saturday night to face the Houston Astros at 6:05 p.m. Allan Winans is set to take the mound for the Yankees, while Hayden Wesneski will start for the Astros. This game will be another opportunity for the Yankees to gauge their starters and fine-tune their roster before the regular season begins. The ongoing competition for spots, especially at third base and in the outfield, is a testament to the depth and talent within the organization. Fans can expect more intense performances and strategic decisions as the team continues to prepare for the upcoming season.
