Anaheim, CA—- Luis Gil showcased his dominance on the mound, striking out nine batters and securing his sixth consecutive victory. The New York Yankees orchestrated a rebound with a narrow 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night, fueled by Alex Verdugo’s home run.
Anthony Volpe extended his hitting streak to 21 games, equaling the longest streak in the majors this season, and contributed to the Yankees’ offensive efforts with two hits and a run scored.
Despite the game’s low-scoring nature, it was rife with early and late drama. Yankees manager Aaron Boone found himself ejected in the first inning following a baserunner interference call on Juan Soto. In the ninth inning, the Angels threatened with runners on first and second with no outs, only to be thwarted by a pivotal double play and subsequent groundout.
Gil, with a stellar performance, yielded just one run on two hits across eight innings, extending the Yankees’ starting rotation’s remarkable streak to 16 consecutive games, during which they have consistently logged at least five innings while allowing two runs or fewer. Since May 12, the Yankees’ starting pitchers have boasted an impressive 12-4 record, conceding a mere 11 earned runs in 99 innings, translating to an exceptional 1.00 ERA, with opposing teams struggling with a .158 batting average against them.
Reflecting on his strategy, Gil emphasized the importance of executing pitches effectively and maintaining command within the strike zone, allowing him to establish a rhythm and pitch deep into the game.
Clay Holmes closed out the game, navigating through early inning traffic in the ninth to secure his 16th save of the season.
Verdugo ignited the Yankees’ offense with a pivotal homer off Tyler Anderson, while Volpe added insurance with a triple, scoring on an errant throw by Angels second baseman Luis Rengifo.
The Angels, despite Logan O’Hoppe’s solo home run, couldn’t capitalize on late-game opportunities, as manager Ron Washington lamented the team’s inability to convert scoring chances.
In the early stages of the game, the Yankees seemed poised to seize an early advantage, with the first three batters reaching base. However, an unconventional double play, prompted by baserunner interference, halted their momentum.
The game witnessed its share of unusual occurrences, including Giancarlo Stanton’s high popup causing confusion and Soto’s interference with Angels shortstop Zach Neto resulting in an out, dampening the Yankees’ offensive prospects.
UP NEXT:
A matchup of left-handers in the series finale. Carlos Rodón (6-2, 2.95 ERA) on the hill for the Yankees, while the Angels counter with Patrick Sandoval (2-7, 5.60 ERA).
