The New York Yankees secured a narrow 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in the first game of a split doubleheader on Saturday. The win not only marked the Yankees' MLB-best 11-3 record but also matched their best start in franchise history.
Yankees' Oswaldo Cabrera played a pivotal role in the victory, hitting a crucial two-run homer in the sixth inning off Cleveland's Nick Sandlin to give his team a 3-0 lead. The Guardians managed just five hits throughout the game, struggling to break through the Yankees' defense.
New York's starting pitcher, Clarke Schmidt, delivered a solid performance, allowing only one run over five-plus innings before the bullpen took over. The trio of Caleb Ferguson, Ian Hamilton, and closer Clay Holmes combined to secure the win, with Holmes notching his sixth save of the season.
Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco put up a strong effort on the mound, limiting the Yankees to just one run in 4 2/3 innings despite issuing five walks. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the Yankees' offensive and pitching prowess.
The game wasn't without its tense moments, as the Guardians mounted a late rally in the ninth inning. Despite scoring two runs and narrowing the gap to 3-2, the Yankees managed to hold on for the win.
The teams were forced into a doubleheader due to a rainout the previous day, with the second game scheduled to start later in the evening. The Yankees will be looking to continue their strong start to the season in the second matchup against the Guardians.
Upcoming Matches and Injury Updates
In the second game of the doubleheader, Yankees' RHP Cody Poteet is set to make his season debut against Guardians' RHP Triston McKenzie, who impressed in his last outing with 5 2/3 scoreless innings.
On the injury front, Yankees' 3B DJ LeMahieu is progressing well from a broken foot and is nearing a return to the lineup. Meanwhile, Guardians' RHP Gavin Williams is set to pitch a simulated game following elbow soreness, with hopes of returning to action soon.
Overall, the New York Yankees continue to showcase their dominance early in the season, setting the pace for a promising campaign ahead.
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