FINAL: Red Sox 1 Yankees 5
WP: Montgomery (1-0)
LP: Weber (0-2)
The Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox in their home opener tonight at Yankee Stadium by a score of 5-1. Jordan Montgomery came away with the victory for the Yankees, while Weber took the loss for the Red Sox.
When asked about the Yankees vs Red Sox rivalry in the age of COVID-19, Boone stated that for the most part, the games themselves have been pretty normal compared to previous experiences. Boone stated that once the games get started he gets locked in. He said it was good to be back home, however, the fans and the adrenaline they bring to the Yankees vs Red Sox rivalry was missed tonight. However, Boone stated that the Yankees are trying to be the best team and lock in right now.
Aaron Judge also stated that the Yankees vs Red Sox rivalry was different and that the fans screaming and yelling was missed in the ballpark tonight.
Kyle Higoshioka stated that being home was kind of bittersweet, stating that one of the best experiences playing for the Yankees and against the Red Sox is having the fans all excited and that the experience was not even close to the same experience without fans.
Gio Urshela also stated that without fans, the experience was different, but that the goal remains the same, and that is to win every game. Urshela also stated that the pregame ceremony was a great ceremony, especially for those on the frontlines helping a lot of people.
The Red Sox struck first tonight, with Chavis homering in the third to put the Yankees on top 1-0. That would be the Red Sox’s only run of the night.
The Yankees then answered in the bottom of the third in a big way off of the bat of Aaron Judge, who hit a 2-run home run to put the Yankees on top 2-1. Aaron Boone stating that Judge has been steady and consistent since summer camp started.
Aaron Judge met with the media tonight and stated in that at-bat, he was trying to get a good pitch to hit and not chase out of the zone. He stated he has been locking in big at-bats and trying to get runs in. He also stated that he has been feeding off of DJ LaMaheiu’s energy and getting dialed in at that plate. Judge stating it’s a daily grind, but that’s what makes the game fun. He stated he was happy to get the Yankees on the board and back in the lead in the third inning. That is a lead that they would not let up the remainder of the night.
Gio Urshela would then extend the Yankees’ lead in the 4th with a solo shot to lead-off the inning to extend the Yankees’ lead to 3-1.
Urshela stated that as an offense, the Yankees are doing a great job at the plate stringing good pitches and hitting home runs.
Brett Gardner came up in the bottom of the 8th with his first hit of the season, a 2-run home run to give the Yankees some more insurance over the Red Sox. Gardner would extend the Yankees’ lead to 5-1 over the Red Sox.
The Yankees would then go on to win this one 5-1 over the Yankees to improve their record to 5-1.
Jordan Montgomery pitched very well tonight, going 5.2 innings, giving up five hits and one earned run. He walked one and struck out four. The lone run he gave up would be the solo home run to Chavis in the 3rd.
Aaron Boone spoke on Montgomery’s outing, stating he was really good and threw a lot of really quality pitches to some good hitters. Boone stated that he had a little bit of everything going, but wasn’t quite as sharp as the exhibition game. However, Boone did state that Montgomery’s stuff was good tonight and that he was mixing his pitches well, including his fastball and his ability to cut it. Speaking on the fact that it’s been a while since he’s taken the mound in a regular-season after coming off an injury, Boone stated it’s been a long time coming for him and for him to get the Yankees to two-outs into the sixth, it was exciting for Boone and the Yankees to see from Montgomery, who came into camp in a great place and picked up from where he left off at Spring Training. Boone stating, he has good weapons to get guys out with.
Jordan Montgomery also spoke with the media tonight and stated that tonight’s outing for him was an accumulation of all the hard work he has been putting in to try to get back out there after surgery. He said he felt good tonight and that his command was good on his changeup and that he grinded through a couple of innings and found a rhythm in the fifth inning. He also stated the defense played great behind him. Overall, Montgomery stated he’s happy to have this first start off of his shoulders.
Speaking about his velocity tonight, Montgomery stated he threw a lot of sinkers tonight and that his velocity on the sinker isn’t always going to get up there, but that his velocity on the sinker was around 92 to 94, so it was where it usually is for Montgomery.
Montgomery also stated that he’s been working on his control and said he’s stayed in routine and made sure not to get rusty at Scranton. He stated as long as starters stay ready, they’ll be where they need to be.
Kyle Higoshioka stated after the game that he thought Montgomery was really good tonight and mixed his pitches well. He stated that as a pair, they did well getting ahead of guys and that tonight was a good first outing for Montgomery.
Chad Greene would relieve Montgomery in the sixth and he pitched two innings and struck out four.
Aaron Boone stating that Greene is a really important part of the Yankees and crucial to their success. Boone stated he was very efficient and to be able to go through six to seven hitters showed his efficiency.
Higoshioka stating that Greene does what he always does and that he has a great fastball and secondary pitches as well.
Adam Ottavino replaced Greene in the 8th inning, followed by Jonathan Holder in the 9th inning. Holder would walk one and strike out one as he closed it out for the Yankees.
The Yankees announced today as well that Tommy Kahnle is headed to the injured list and possibly for Tommy John Surgery. Boone stating that his heart goes out to Tommy and that he wishes him the best and that he will be missed in the bullpen.
Aaron Judge also stated that losing Kahnle is a big loss for the Yankees and that he is one big key piece of the bullpen. Judge wishing Kahnle all the best and stating he hopes his recovery goes well and everything works out for him.
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