New York Yankees: Starting pitching is most impressive part of 2-0 start
By Sean Dyer
Although the offense is clicking for the New York Yankees, it’s their starting pitching that’s been most impressive to start this season.
Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez in one lineup. That was the big headline for the New York Yankees heading into 2018. Expected to be an offensive juggernaut, the Yankees’ starting pitcher flew somewhat under the radar.
New York chose not to make a trade for Gerrit Cole, Michael Fulmer, or Patrick Corbin. They chose not to sign Yu Darvish, Jake Arrieta, or Alex Cobb. Instead, the Bronx Bombers stuck with the same starting five that got them one game short of the World Series in 2017. So far, the starters have rewarded the Yankees for their faith.
Luis Severino got the ball on Opening Day as Aaron Boone dubbed it “his time”. Severino did not disappoint as he went 5.2 shutout innings while allowing just one hit! Sevy walked three and struck out seven.
Severino was dominant, either striking hitters out or getting quick groundouts. His fastball was crisp and he threw it wherever he wanted and he consistently relied on his slider to get outs. Sevy’s performance led to a 6-1 victory for New York and solidified his status as Yankees ace.
Last year’s Opening Day starter Masahiro Tanaka was on the hill for the second game of the year and was just as dominant as Severino. Tanaka went six innings while giving up just one run on three hits. He struck out eight while not allowing any walks.
Tanaka’s splitter was filthy and basically unhittable. He kept the ball down in the zone and it either ran away from lefty hitters or dove at the feet of righties. The Yankees would win 4-2 and Tanaka looks to be in 2017 postseason form.
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The Yankees’ offense gets all the hype and with multiple hitters with 40+ home run potential, it’s understandable. However, this team will only go as far as its starting pitching takes it. If the first two games were any indication of how the season will go, the New York Yankees are going to win a lot of games in 2018.