Aaron Judge's 22nd HR and Jasson Domínguez's leadoff spark powered the Yankees to a 5-3 win over the Angels on June 17, snapping a three-game losing streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when the Bronx faithful were starting to get restless, the New York Yankees delivered a much-needed course correction. Behind a powerful swing from Aaron Judge and a dynamic performance from new leadoff man Jasson Domínguez, the Yanks snapped their three-game home losing streak with a solid 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. It was a complete team effort, with starter Will Warren battling on the mound to secure the win and put the team back on track.
He's just a dynamic presence at the top of the lineup.
Manager Aaron Boone shook up the lineup card, and it paid immediate dividends. Inserting Jasson 'The Martian' Domínguez into the leadoff spot proved to be a stroke of genius. The rookie phenom set the tone from the very first pitch, going 2-for-4 with a double, a stolen base, and scoring two of the team's five runs. His energy was palpable, creating chaos on the basepaths and putting pressure on the Angels' defense all night. It's the kind of spark the top of this order has been missing.
While Domínguez set the table, it was the Captain who brought the thunder. Aaron Judge continued his torrid month of June with a towering two-run home run in the 5th inning. The 426-foot blast to left-center gave the Yankees a lead they wouldn't surrender. It was Judge's 22nd homer of the season, a testament to his incredible power and a reminder that when he's hot, the entire offense follows. He finished the night 1-for-3 with a walk, pushing his season OPS to a formidable .945.
The win wouldn't have been possible without a gutsy start from Will Warren. The righty improved to 5-3 on the season, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing three runs while striking out seven. He kept the Angels at bay long enough for the offense to take control. The bullpen also received a major boost with the return of Tommy Kahnle from the injured list. Activated just before the game (with Ron Marinaccio optioned to Triple-A), Kahnle looked electric, pitching a scoreless 8th inning with two strikeouts. His high-octane arm is a welcome addition, perfectly setting the stage for Clay Holmes, who shut the door in the 9th for his 18th save.
Speaking of the future, Baseball America released its latest farm system rankings, placing the Yankees at a respectable 13th overall. While not in the top tier, the system is lauded for its depth, particularly in outfielders and pitchers. Keep an eye on top prospects Spencer Jones and Roderick Arias, who are both making noise at Double-A Somerset and could be the next wave of talent to impact the Bronx.
One win doesn't erase a skid, but this one felt different. With Domínguez providing a new dynamic at the top and Judge's power back in full force, the Yankees (now 43-29) have a formula for success. Now, the challenge is to build on it. They'll look to secure a series win against the Angels tomorrow and prove that their brief slump is firmly in the rearview mirror as they continue to defend their top spot in the AL East.
