The Yankees Shock White Sox with Thrilling Series-Opener
The Yankees overcame Max Fried's season-low-tying start with a four-run fourth and eighth to take Monday's series-opening game at the American League East-leading Chicago White Sox, a 9-4 win.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was the chief among New York's reinforcements, tying the game with a two-run double in the fourth inning that scored Paul Goldschmidt and Jasson Domínguez. Chisholm subsequently stole third base and scored when Spencer Jones grounded out to second with one out.
Fried's second start back from injury mirrored his season-worst outing May 13 at the Baltimore Orioles, a 7-0 loss, in which he allowed three runs on five hits in three innings. This time, Fried also allowed three runs on five hits and exited following three frames.
Ben Rice's go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning with two outs to score Amed Rosario gave the Yankees the much-needed push after the White Sox tied the game at 4-4 with one out in the fifth. Rice's 2-for-4 evening included a leadoff walk that sparked New York's fourth inning.
Cody Bellinger's absence due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain has left questions for Aaron Boone and the Yankees, especially with the MLB trade deadline around the corner. Max Schuemann's two-game glimpse in left field has been an 0-for-7 sample size.
The Yankees' bullpen and offense picked up Fried, who fell victim to a three-run first inning in which he started slow, allowing four of his five hits. Fried's 39 strikes on 66 pitches while fanning four and walking two was not enough to secure the win.
Chisholm's 2-for-4, two-RBI effort from the sixth spot in the order was the type of performance that New York needed to avoid a series-opening dud. His 45 RBI and 29 steals through 99 games this season are notable achievements.
Ben Rice, who has been a key player without Aaron Judge, met the moment with a 2-for-4 evening that included a leadoff walk. Through 101 games, Rice is slashing .275/.363/.585 with 73 RBI.
The Yankees and White Sox return to action with Tuesday's 7:40 p.m. game, with Gerrit Cole (3-5, 3.92 ERA) set to start for New York against Anthony Kay (7-4, 4.21 ERA) of Chicago.
Source: Yahoo Sports
