Yankees Make History Multiple Ways in 11-2 Win Over Nationals
The New York Yankees did what they do best on Wednesday: crush a losing team. They beat the Washington Nationals 11-2 to complete a three-game home sweep, and they've now won four straight after beating the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.
Trent Grisham got the party started for New York with a leadoff homer in the first inning before Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger went back-to-back in the third. Jasson Dominguez then hit a ground rule double, followed by Ryan McMahon and Ben Rice home runs.
However, the Yankees weren't done. Dominguez hit an RBI single to compete a nine-run third inning, and Austin Wells followed with a solo homer in the fourth before they finally stopped scoring for the day. Max Fried also pitched a seven-inning, one-run gem to round out a perfect day for the team.
New York's display of power made history in different ways, via YES Network.
The Yankees now have 40 first-inning homers this season, which is tied for the most in franchise history. Additionally, this was their third game with six players hitting a home run, which is the most in MLB history.
Furthermore, this season is the second time that New York has had three outfielders with 25-plus homers, which are Judge, Grisham, and Bellinger. The last time was in 1941 with Joe DiMaggio, Tommy Henrich, and Charlie Keller.
Lastly, the Yankees are now the first team in MLB history with three four-homer innings in a season. They're living up to their "Bronx Bombers" nickname like never before.
Yankees Must Play Better Against Winning Teams
After Wednesday's win, New York is 39-26 against losing teams and 34-34 vs. teams at or above .500. On top of that, it's a combined 5-15 against the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, who are both ahead of it in the AL East.
On the other hand, the Yankees are far and away the most powerful team at the plate, as they lead baseball with 225 homers, 25 ahead of the second-place Los Angeles Dodgers. That's helped them stay in Wild Card positioning, but they won't reach the mountaintop without performing better against contenders.
Up next for New York is a road trip with series against the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros before hosting the Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers. The team's play vs. the latter three opponents will show how ready it is to compete for a title.
