The Yankees took the first game, 8-5, of this Monday doubleheader against the Orioles at Yankee Stadium. >> Box Score
Six takeaways from Monday's game...
1) James Paxton went six strong innings against the O's, but the long ball was hurting him. He allowed three runs, two of which came from solo homers. Overall, though, he allowed just five hits and two walks while striking out seven over that span.
2) Gio Urshela hit an absolute moonshot to the left center field bleachers for a 461-foot, two-run homer. He now has seven home runs in his last eight games, as he continues to have a "dream season" as YES Network's Ryan Ruocco said during the broadcast. He went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI.
3) Didi Gregorius kicked off the game for the Yankees' with the first of their four homers. He launched one to the bullpen in right center for a three-run shot for his only hit on the day.
4) Other than Gregorius and Urshela, Gleyber Torres and Cameron Maybin both went deep for the Yanks.
5) Luis Cessa made things a little interesting in the top of the eighth inning. He managed to load the bases and the Orioles would strike for two runs to make it an 8-5 game. Zack Britton didn't help matter when he came in, as a passed ball allowed one of those runs to come in.
6) The Yankees have now won 13 straight games against the Orioles, and they'll look to extend that tonight.
Highlights
What's next
The Yankees and Orioles will get some dinner, then head back onto the field to play the second leg of the doubleheader. It will be Ty Blach will go for the O's, while the Yanks have yet to name a starter.