MLB wrap: Yankees win to hold first place, remain unbeaten against rival Red Sox

Arthur Weinstein

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MLB wrap: Yankees win to hold first place, remain unbeaten against rival Red Sox image

The Yankees saw their dreams crushed last October when the Red Sox knocked them off in the AL Divisional Series.

But the 2019 chapter of baseball's most bitter rivalry has been all Yankees so far, with New York beating Boston 4-1 in the opener of a three-game series in Yankee Stadium (Thursday's game was rained out).

With the win, the Yankees (37-19) are now 3-0 against the rival Sox this season. The victory also pushed New York's lead in the AL East to 1 1/2 games over the Rays, and 8 1/2 games over the third-place Red Sox (29-28).

Even with stars such as Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Didi Gregorius and Luis Severino sidelined, the Yankees have the third-best record in baseball. While several unexpected players have stepped up to fill the void, DJ LeMahieu has provided arguably the biggest boost. The veteran second baseman hit a solo home run and added an RBI double Friday, prompting manager Aaron Boone to say of LeMahieu, "He's out there to rip your heart out."

It's still early. New York and Boston meet 12 times from July 25 through season's end, and the Red Sox will almost certainly be playing better by then. But for now, the Yankees are rolling, and the Red Sox are not.

Studs of the Night

Trevor Story homered twice, had three hits, seven RBIs and scored four runs in the Rockies' 13-6 win over the Blue Jays. Nolan Arenado added three hits and three RBIs.

Tigers shortstop Niko Goodrum, a Georgia native, had a career day in Atlanta, belting two home runs, collecting five hits, scoring four and driving in three runs in an 8-2 win over the Braves. 

Reds catcher Curt Casali homered and had three hits and four RBIs in a 9-3 win over the Nationals.

Dud of the Night

Brewers starter Jhoulys Chacín got touched for seven runs — lowlighted by three bases-loaded walks — in 2 2/3 innings in a 9-4 loss to the Pirates.

Highlights

Matt Carpenter delivers the walk-off hit for the Cardinals in a 2-1, 10-inning win over the Cubs.

Joey Gallo punishes baseballs when he barrels them up, as on this grand slam.

Kevin Newman makes a leaping throw from deep in the hole to nab the speedy Lorenzo Cain.

What's Next

Phillies (33-23) at Dodgers (38-19), 10:10 p.m. ET — First in the NL East meets first in the West. Don't be surprised to see these two teams meet deep in the postseason this fall. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw (5-0, 3.46 ERA) goes against Zach Eflin (5-5, 3.02 ERA).

Arthur Weinstein