The Yankees built a 6-0 lead and staved off a late rally in order to hold on to an 8-5 win over the Braves on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium >> Box score

Things to know about Tuesday's game

1) Aaron Hicks hit a two-run homer in the first inning and Kyle Higashioka hit a solo shot in the second inning. For the next two innings, the Yankees took advantage of erratic pithing by the Braves, as New York scored two more runs in the third when Brandon Drury and Higashioka each walked with the bases loaded. Brett Gardner scored on a wild pitch in the fourth inning.

2) Domingo German allowed three runs -- including two homers -- in 4 1/3 innings. Adam Warren went on to allow a pair of runs on four hits in 1 1/3 innings, which helped get the Braves going on offense in the fifth. Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect eighth inning to earn his 24th save of the season.

3) Atlanta's pitching staff collectively struggled, as Sean Newcomb, Luke Jackson, and Evan Phillips all allowed runs. Newomb was responsible for the early damage, allowing five earned runs.

4) Giancarlo Stanton hit a key two-run homer in the eighth to give the Yankees some insurance runs after the Braves scored five runs in three innings.

Highlights from Monday's game

First Major League hit: 👋
Second Major League hit: 👋 pic.twitter.com/R8stTgTMM1
- New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 4, 2018

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The Yankees got their three homers and they walk away with a victory despite another abysmal performance with runners in scoring position (1-for-11).

Look, homers are what works for the Yankees and it will not change anytime soon, no matter how much I or anyone else begs for them to just show they can play small ball when it makes sense. Trust me, it will make sense in October.

Finally, we have to take notice of what Aroldis Chapman is doing this season. He has been truly exceptional lowering his ERA to 1.43 with 65 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings and is now 24-for-25 in save chances. Chapman made his third straight appearance and didn't seem the least bit tired, twice hitting 103 mph on the radar gun. Last season, Chapman was signed to the largest contract ever given to a closer and he's paying the Yankees back handsomely in 2018 after sputtering some in the first year of the deal.

What's next

The Yankees and Braves will conclude their series on Wednesday afternoon with a 1:05 p.m. matchup at Yankee Stadium.

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