#Yankees hook Mariners

Yanks Edge Mariners, 4-3, after Home Run by A-Rod

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 18- A seventh inning opposite field home run by Alex Rodriguez off an 86 mph fastball by reliever Joe Beimel gave the Yanks their fourth straight win at home. It was the fourth consecutive game in which A-Rod had a go-ahead RBI, the 2015 Yankees record. 

The homer was the 19th of the season and the 673 of Rodriguez’s career. 

The victory at home raised the club’s mark at Yankee Stadium to 17-6 in their last 23 games. Their success in the Bronx gives comfort to the team as the Yankees will play 40 of their 74 post All-Star break contests at the Stadium. They ended the first half of the current season in first place in the American League East by 3.5 games. They have stood on top of the standings alone for the past two weeks.

The first Yankee run of the game was scored on a solo homer by Chris Young in the second frame. The four baggers have come regularly at Yankee Stadium this year. The Yanks have homered in 33 of the 42 home contests, and have has multi-homer games in 22 of the 42. 

Young, who had two extra-base hits in the game, praised manager Joe Girardi, “he’s been giving me opportunities.” For someone who had been scheduled to only be a part-time player, Young has seen action in 82 of the team’s 89 games.

Young was fulsome in his praise of Rodriguez, “That’s just what Al does. He’s a great clutch hitter.” Girardi also commented positively of A-Rod, “He’s held up great in the first half, and I expect he’ll hold up in the second half.” 

Yankee starter Masahiro Tanaka improved his record to 6-3 with the 4-3 victory. He reached seven innings for the sixth time in his 12 starts in 2015. He gave up only five hits and three runs by all three were driven in by Kyle Seager, who homered twice. Tanaka is only the eighth pitcher in the last 100 years in the majors who has 19 wins in his first 32 contests. 

Relievers Dellin betances and Andrew Miller each pitched a scoreless inning in relief. Miller earned his 19th save in 19 opportunities.

#Yankees #mariners #ARod #Bronx