MLB wrap: Yankees sweep doubleheader, remain atop AL East

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: Yankees sweep doubleheader, remain atop AL East image

The Yankees came out on the winning end of a doubleheader Saturday against the Royals.

New York won the first game, 7-3, and then kept Kansas City at bay in Game 2. Aroldis Chapman replaced Zack Britton on the mound with two on and no out in the ninth inning of the second game. Chapman allowed a run as the Royals pulled with one, but he ultimately escaped the final frame by striking out Terrance Gore. The Yankees won, 6-5.

They scored early and often and recorded all six of their runs in the second and third innings.

It seemed as though New York carried its late momentum from Game 1 into the doubleheader. The Yankees scored two runs in the first inning to start the day but were held scoreless until breaking out the bats again in the sixth. They scored the bulk of their runs in the seventh and eighth innings.

J.A. Happ was awarded the win in that game and Chance Adams in the second. Chapman was given the save.

New York is now 2 1/2 games in front of the Rays to lead the American League East.

Kansas City's Scott Barlow and Jorge Lopez were each tagged with a loss.

Studs of the Night

The Diamondbacks earned another big win over the Giants. Ketel Marte led the way Saturday going 2 for 4 including a 397-foot home run. Arizona went on to win 10-4.

Hunter Renfroe was 4 for 6 as the Padres beat the Blue Jays 19-4. The team set a franchise record with seven home runs including two from Renfroe.

Paul Goldschmidt was 3 for 3 in the Cardinals' 6-3 win over the Braves. He helped build the team's lead early with an RBI single in the fifth inning.

Duds of the Night

Manny Bañuelos had a forgettable day on the mound. The White Sox lefty allowed five hits and five earned runs in four innings of work. He moved to 2-4 (7.71 ERA) on the season.

The Marlins strung together just four hits as they were blanked by the Nationals, 5-0. Austin Dean finished 0 for 4 at the plate while three others — Starlin Castro, Brian Anderson and Bryan Holaday — all went 0 for 3.

Highlight

What does Carlos Correa do when he hits a walk-off RBI? Gives a modest shrug. The Astros beat the Red Sox 4-3.

What's Next?

Reds (23-28) at Cubs (30-20), 2:20 p.m. ET — This should be fun. The Reds and Cubs will play a rubber match Sunday after two close games. Neither team won by more than two runs. Cincinnati will start Tanner Roark (3-3, 3.51 ERA) and Chicago will counter with Jose Quintana (4-3, 3.30).

 

Alexis Mansanarez