The New York Yankees extended their longest win streak of the season to seven after beating the Minnesota Twins Thursday night, 7 – 5. Yanks’ slugger Luke Voit powered the team to the victory, smashing a two-run double in the Yankees’ huge third inning. It was Voit’s third start as a leadoff batter. Unfortunately, the win was marred by a Giancarlo Stanton opposite field home run that bounced off a young fan’s head. Thankfully, the youngster was able to speak coherently during a TV interview after the long ball went awry.
The Yankees’ Role Players Step Up
Kyle Higashioka might not ever become a household name yet he is certainly contributing to the Bombers. Higashioka started the team’s breakout third inning against the Twins last night with a RBI double. He also homered on the night as well. Both of Higashioka’s hits drove in Andrew Velazquez. Velazquez was no slouch himself, racking up a couple hits and a stolen base against the lowly twins. The swiped bag is the squad’s 20th following the All-Star game.
Taillon Shines in the Yankees’ Win
Jameson Taillon, 8 – 4, carried a shutout effort into the fifth frame prior to surrendering four consecutive hits with one out. All in all, Taillon let up five hits and three runs in 5 1/3 frames, recording his seventh straight victory. Zack Britton allowed a two-out single that drove in a run in the eighth. Chad Green surrendered a long ball to Miguel Sano in the ninth.
The Yankees are the Hottest Team in Baseball
The Bronx Bombers have notched nearly 20 wins since the team’s slide in Boston in late July. After dropping three out of four to Boston, New York has gone 19 and 5. The Yankees are now a game ahead of the Oakland Athletics for the top wild card position in the American League.
Will Severino Return to the Yankees’ Rotation?
Pitcher Luis Severino recently received a second opinion on his right shoulder. This second opinion did not reveal any type of structural issues. However, he won’t throw throughout the remainder of the week. There is a good chance Severino will join the squad on its road trip to discuss the matter in more detail with team doctors. Third baseman Gio Urshela might also start a rehabilitation assignment to start this upcoming week.