The New York Yankees kicked off September with a commanding 7-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night at Daikin Park, setting a positive tone despite losing to the Astros in two out of three games last month.
Trent Grisham‘s grand slam and Jazz Chisholm Jr.‘s two solo home runs highlighted a powerful offensive display, while Max Fried‘s seven-inning, one-run performance on the mound set the tone for the game.
In the fourth inning, with the bases loaded, Grisham launched a towering grand slam off Astros starter Framber Valdez, marking his second grand slam in just five days.
This pivotal moment gave the Yankees a commanding 6-0 lead and showcased Grisham‘s clutch hitting ability.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. added to the offensive onslaught with two solo home runs, bringing his season total to 27 and further solidifying his place in the Yankees’ power-hitting lineup.
Yankees beat the odds against Jose Altuve
The win comes despite the Yankees‘ lackluster season, especially their most recent matchup against the Astros back in August.
Max Fried, the New York Yankees‘ $218 million acquisition, found himself up against a formidable opponent: Houston‘s Jose Altuve.
The 31-year-old left-hander, who signed an eight-year contract with the Yankees in December 2024, entered the game with high expectations.
However, Altuve wasted no time in making a statement.
On the very first pitch he saw from Fried, Altuve launched a fastball over the wall, marking his 250th career home run.
This early display of power set the tone for the game. The Astros’ offense continued to pressure Fried, eventually chasing him after five innings, during which he surrendered four earned runs on 94 pitches.
Fried‘s performance was a stark contrast to his earlier outings this season.
Despite a strong start to the year, these struggles had previously raised concerns about his ability to handle high-pressure situations, especially against teams like Houston.
However, after today’s win, perhaps that pressure might be on its way out.
Aaron Judge‘s injury status remains uncertain
Amidst the team’s challenges, another pressing issue is the status of star outfielder Aaron Judge.
Recovering from a right flexor strain, Judge has been limited to designated hitter duties since his return.
Manager Aaron Boone provided a brief update, stating, “getting close,” but offered no specific timeline for Judge’s return to the outfield.
The Yankees‘ lineup has felt the absence of Judge‘s defensive prowess. With Giancarlo Stanton filling in, the team’s depth has been tested.
Boone emphasized the importance of patience in Judge‘s recovery, noting that the team is cautious to avoid further setbacks.
As the Yankees continue their pursuit of a postseason berth, the performances of key players like Fried and Judge will be crucial. The team faces a challenging schedule ahead, and how they navigate these obstacles will determine their playoff prospects.
Read the full article here
