The New York Yankees’ decision to go with an opener didn’t pan out as planned Friday night, falling 7-3 to the Atlanta Braves in their first game following the All-Star break.
Ian Hamilton got the start but was tagged for three runs in the first inning, and Atlanta never looked back. Ozzie Albies dealt the biggest blow in the third with a three-run homer off newly acquired reliever Rico Garcia, putting New York in a 6-0 hole early. The Yankees cycled through four relievers, with JT Brubaker standing out by tossing three scoreless innings and striking out four.
Offensively, the Yankees struggled to solve Spencer Strider, who struck out eight over six dominant frames. New York’s best scoring chance off Strider came in the third, but Ronald Acuña Jr. threw out Jorbit Vivas trying to take third on a deep fly ball, ending the threat.
The Yankees finally broke through in the seventh against the Braves’ bullpen. Ben Rice doubled, Austin Wells singled, and Giancarlo Stanton delivered a two-run pinch-hit double. Cody Bellinger added an RBI single to trim the deficit to 7-3, but the rally ended there after Aaron Judge struck out with two on.
Rice led the way at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles. Judge and Jasson Domínguez each struck out three times in a tough night for the top of the order.
New York (53-44) will look to bounce back Saturday with Will Warren set to face Braves lefty Joey Wentz in the middle game of the series. The first pitch is slated for 7:15 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].