Yankees Now 4 Games Up on O’s, Hammer Mariners

by Felix Pantaleón

The New York Yankees (88-63) began their final road trip of the regular season with a commanding 11-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners (77-74) on Tuesday night. This win extended their lead in the American League East to four games over the Baltimore Orioles, with just 11 games left in the season.

Aaron Judge was the star of the night, driving in four runs within the first two innings. He hit a two-run single and a two-run double, bringing his RBI total to 136, the highest in the Majors. Judge’s performance set the tone for the Yankees’ offensive onslaught.

Juan Soto added to the excitement by hitting his 200th career home run and his 40th of the season with a two-run shot. This milestone made him the sixth player in the Majors to homer in all 30 current ballparks. Soto’s achievement was a highlight in a game filled with notable moments.

40th HR of the season for Juan Soto 🔥#RepBX pic.twitter.com/tfRiOMcEVS
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 18, 2024

Jasson Domínguez also made his mark by launching his first home run of the season, a solo shot. Austin Wells contributed with a bases-clearing double, and Oswaldo Cabrera added a run-scoring single as part of a multi-hit game. Gleyber Torres had a standout performance with three hits, including a ground-rule double.

Wells clears the bases 👨🏻 pic.twitter.com/5GUX3O9eCo
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 18, 2024

On the pitching side, Luis Gil delivered a solid performance, tossing five innings of one-run ball. This improved his record to 14-6 with a 3.14 ERA for the season. Marcus Stroman, in his first relief appearance of the season, earned a nine-out save, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness on the mound.

The Yankees’ victory was a team effort, with contributions from both the offense and the pitching staff. The win not only extended their lead in the AL East but also brought them closer to securing a postseason spot. With Nestor Cortes set to take the mound on Wednesday night, the Yankees are poised to continue their winning streak and clinch a playoff berth.