The Yankees began their season with two dramatic comeback victories against the Astros, winning 7-1 in their second game. Carlos Rodon made his season debut, Juan Soto survived an injury scare, Gleyber Torres was hit on the hand by a pitch, and Oswaldo Cabrera had a stellar performance with four hits and three RBIs. The late-game heroics of Cabrera and Soto propelled the Yankees to a 2-0 start in the season and ensured at least a split of the series with the Astros.
The Yankees struggled to score through six innings against Astros pitcher Cristian Javier, but they were able to capitalize in the late innings, scoring runs in the seventh, eighth, and ninth against Houston’s bullpen. Chants of “Let’s go Yankees” echoed in the stadium as the team mounted their comeback. Cabrera’s single tied the game in the seventh, while Soto drew a bases-loaded walk to take the lead. Soto’s exceptional defense in the outfield helped the Yankees maintain their lead and secure the victory.
The eighth inning saw the Astros commit a pair of throwing errors, allowing the Yankees to score four runs and break the game open. Cabrera sealed the win with a two-run single, contributing to his strong performance at the plate. Giancarlo Stanton added a home run in the ninth inning to further solidify the Yankees’ lead. Despite facing multiple jams, Rodon limited the damage to just one run in his 4 1/3 innings pitched, escaping potentially dangerous situations with some timely pitching.
Rodon’s fastball velocity was a positive aspect of his season debut, as he consistently hit 95.7 mph and reached 98 mph on some pitches. He also showcased a new pitch, a cutter, which he used effectively to strike out hitters. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of focusing on Rodon’s work and not being overly concerned with the results of one start. The left-hander showed resilience on the mound, navigating through challenging situations and keeping the Astros’ offense in check.
The Yankees’ early-season success against the Astros provided a boost to the team as they looked to build momentum for the rest of the season. Despite injuries and challenges, players like Carlos Rodon, Juan Soto, and Oswaldo Cabrera stepped up to contribute to the team’s victories. The team’s ability to come together in tough situations and execute in crucial moments was evident in the dramatic victories over a formidable opponent. As the season progresses, the Yankees will look to build on their early success and continue to compete at a high level in pursuit of their postseason goals.
