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The Yankees rallied in the seventh inning to beat the Red Sox, 5-3, at Yankee Stadium. >> Box Score
Six takeaways from Wednesday's game…
1 ) J.A. Happ has not been everything the Yanks hoped this season, but he might have figured something out in tonight's start. After giving up three runs in the first two innings (allowing two more home runs), Happ held the Red Sox scoreless over the next four innings, giving the Yankees' offense a chance to chip away at the deficit. Happ's four-seam fastball has been tattooed so far this season, so he began to concentrate on the secondary offerings and it paid off. Happ has to have excellent command on the four-seamer to make it useful and he's yet to find that zone this season. If he can, the secondary offerings will be that much better and in turn Happ's results could improve.
2 ) This marks the Yankees first series win of the season at home. It's been a rough start for the Yanks, but in the last two games, the club showed some positive signs - dominant starting pitching in Tuesday's game and a dramatic comeback in Wednesday's affair - that could lead to an extended run of wins.
3 ) More Clint Frazier love. Frazier went 3-for-4, raising his average to .333 and his 12 RBIs rank him second on the club. The 24-year-old is getting an extended look, and he's finally making the most of it. Frazier has fought injuries and was simply lost in the depth chart the last couple of seasons. But he is completely healthy, and with the team boasting an All-Star team on the injured list, he's getting a chance.
4 ) Brett Gardner's value is going to be questioned throughout the season as he winds down his career. But, nights like tonight, hitting a lead-providing grand slam in the seventh inning, demonstrate why he can remain an integral piece of the Yankees puzzle this season. Gardner might not remain an everyday starter once Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton return, but the veteran maintains some value on the field and loads of it in the clubhouse.
5 ) The Yankees still have no answer for Nathan Eovaldi. The Red Sox starter held the Yanks to one run (unearned) on three hits and struck out six. Eovaldi dominated the Yankees in 2018, including a dominant performance against the Bombers in the postseason. There will be more meetings this season, so the Yankees will have to figure something out against the former pinstriper.
6 ) Adam Ottavino went from seemingly working every day to an extended stretch with minimal work (this was his second appearance since April 8). Ottavino looked just fine for the first two batters, but then allowed a couple of hits and walked a batter. It's difficult for relievers to maintain a groove with minimal use, but also incredibly stressful when used as often as he had. Hopefully, the Yanks can find a happy medium for Ottavino so he's strong and efficient.
Highlights
Brett Gardner: Slam Poet. pic.twitter.com/QsXB56PFlv
- New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 18, 2019
Clint Frazier is 3-for-3 on the night. pic.twitter.com/3ExZaoXopB
- New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 18, 2019
What's next
The Yankees host the Royals for a four-game series starting on Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. It will be Domingo German against Homer Bailey on the mound.