NEW YORK — Giancarlo Stanton delivered a jaw-dropping performance on Tuesday night, crushing a 451-foot, two-run homer and driving in five runs to lead the New York Yankees to a commanding 5-1 victory over the Washington Nationals at Yankee Stadium. The win marked the Yankees’ third straight, keeping them just a half-game behind Boston for the American League’s top wild-card spot.
Stanton was the undeniable star of the game, showcasing his prodigious power and clutch hitting. In the sixth inning, he launched a slider from Nationals reliever Orlando Ribalta halfway up the left-field bleachers, giving the Yankees a 5-1 lead. The 451-foot blast was Stanton’s fifth home run in his last seven games and his 446th career homer, further cementing his legacy as one of baseball’s premier sluggers.This marked Stanton’s first five-RBI game since May 12, 2022, against the Chicago White Sox, and his eighth such performance in his career, one shy of his personal best. His night wasn’t limited to the long ball; in the third inning, Stanton hit a bases-clearing double off the top of the left-field fence off Washington starter MacKenzie Gore, giving the Yankees a 3-1 lead. Stanton’s performance with runners in scoring position this season has been stellar, as he’s now hitting .346 (17-for-49) in those situations.
“Yeah, really good. I thought he filled up the strike zone really well,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Stanton’s performance, also praising the team’s pitching effort.
Yankees starter Luis Gil (2-1) was effective, allowing just one run on five hits over five innings. Despite issuing four walks—his third such outing since returning from a lat strain—Gil struck out five and kept the Nationals’ offense in check. His manager was impressed with his command.
“I thought he filled up the strike zone really well. Cutter was electric, mixed in the sinker even and some really good sliders,” Boone said. “I feel like the last couple [starts] have been really good.”
The Yankees’ bullpen took over from there, with Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Camilo Doval, and David Bednar combining for four scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out seven. Cruz faced some trouble in the sixth, allowing two baserunners, but Hill cleaned up the mess, retiring James Wood on a groundout with the bases loaded.
“Even when he creates a little traffic for himself, you still feel like he can work his way out of it,” Boone said of Cruz. “Good to get him out there.”
Nationals Struggle Offensively
The Nationals, now 53-79, dropped their fourth straight game. Their lone run came in the third inning when CJ Abrams singled to drive in Robert Hassell, who had doubled earlier. Abrams went 3-for-4, but the rest of the lineup struggled to capitalize, leaving eight runners on base and going 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position.MacKenzie Gore (5-13) took the loss for Washington, allowing three runs on three hits over five innings. The left-hander, who fell to 1-5 since the All-Star break, struggled with control at times, walking Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger before Stanton’s bases-clearing double in the third.
Key Moments and Performances
The Yankees’ offense was sparked early by Paul Goldschmidt’s double in the third, followed by walks to Judge and Bellinger, setting the stage for Stanton’s three-run double. Cody Bellinger also had a strong night, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, including a double in the first inning.Anthony Volpe, returning after missing two games, went 0-for-4, while Jose Caballero, who replaced Stanton in right field in the seventh, stole his 41st base of the season. Boone praised Caballero’s baserunning instincts, calling his jump off first base “elite.”
“I shared my pacemaker with him,” Boone joked about Caballero’s speed. “He got to second. If there was a wild pitch, I think he might have been awarded home just by getting to that next base.”
Stanton’s Role in the Outfield
With Aaron Judge dealing with an elbow issue, Stanton has taken on more outfield duties, and Boone expressed confidence in his ability to handle the role, albeit with careful management to preserve his health.
“I think he’s done a capable job out there,” Boone said of Stanton’s outfield play. “He and I communicate well on it day-to-day, what the next few days look like, those kinds of things.”
Boone indicated that Stanton’s outfield appearances would remain fluid, with some days off mixed in to ensure he stays fresh. “Sometimes it’s been one on, one off. Some he’s played up to three in a row out there,” Boone noted.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees (72-60) will look to complete the sweep against the Nationals on Wednesday, with left-hander Max Fried (13-5, 3.14 ERA) taking the mound against Washington’s Cade Cavalli (1-0, 2.82 ERA). The Nationals, meanwhile, will aim to snap their losing streak and get their offense back on track.
Luis Gil (NYY): 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 5 SO (W, 2-1)
MacKenzie Gore (WSH): 5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 SO (L, 5-13)
The Yankees’ combination of Stanton’s offensive firepower and solid pitching proved too much for the Nationals, who couldn’t muster enough offense to keep pace. As New York continues its push for the postseason, performances like Stanton’s will be critical in maintaining their wild-card position.
Felix Pantaleon is The Founder of NYYNEWS.com The First & Oldest Independent New York Yankees Content Creator Platform, Since 2005.Follow on Social Media
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