Boone Holds Meeting Yanks Break Losing Streak

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

Yanks manager Aaron Boone felt the need to gather the team after New York lost their 5th game in a row. They got swept by the St. Louis Cardinals getting shut out 1-0 in the second game. They did score 9 runs in the last game but gave up 12. Boone had seen enough and felt it was time to address the team. Whatever he said, resonated as the team responded when they faced the Seattle Mariners Monday night. Seattle won 2 of 3 when they played in New York the first week in August. The team needed to get back on the winning track which saw them compile the best record in baseball.

 

Led by Josh Donaldson (4-5, 3rbi) the Yankees took out the Mariners 9-4. Aaron Judge went deep in the ninth inning for the 44th time in his quest to become the all-time home record for the organization set by Roger Maris 61 home runs in 1961.

 

The win came at a cost as newly acquired Matt Carpenter fractured his left foot when he fouled off a pitch in the first inning. Starter James Taillon threw a much needed 7 strong innings and talked about the positive impact Carpenter has been since joining the team. “He’s come in here right away and made an impact on a lot of people. He’s not afraid to talk pitching with the pitchers. He’s not afraid to give honest feedback. He’s one of the best guys that I’ve been around and played with, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds his way back and makes an impact.”

Carpenter did not say his season is over. “My mindset is that this won’t be the end for me here this year. I’m hopeful that I can come back and contribute.” Since coming to New York, Carpenter began Monday night hitting .307 with 15 home runs and 37 RBI in just 127 at-bats.

General manager and President Brian Cashman scored major points by not only brining Carpenter but acquiring Andrew Benintendi who began his Yankee career just 2-25. Benintendi broke out Monday going 2-4 with two doubles and 3-rbi. Said Benintendi of his slow start, ““Whenever you get traded, you want to prove why it was a good trade,” he said. “You want to play well for a new fanbase and a new team. I don’t think I was trying too hard or anything like that, but maybe I was thinking about it too much. Again, you’re going to go through these stretches throughout the season, and this is really my first stretch where I’ve been like this. When you’re going through something like that, just do anything you can to help the team win, whether it’s take a walk or move a runner or things like that. That’s what I’m just trying to do until I get going.”

The New York Yankees finished their series in Seattle Wednesday before coming home to host the heated/hated Boston Red Sox Friday, Saturday and Sunday.