The Atlanta Braves were beaten Carlos Rodon and the Yankees in a clear 8-1 defeat for New York in the opening game of the series.
Four insights from Friday’s game
1. Rodón returned to his 2023 woes with his worst performance of 2024, which is either a one-off or a possible sign of things to come. After yielding five runs on seven hits in five innings in last Saturday’s 8-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox, Rodón (9-4, 3.86 ERA) was shaken up by the Braves.
Two home runs in the first inning gave Atlanta (42-31) an early lead, which was extended at the expense of Rodón. With two outs in the fourth inning and a 5-1 deficit, Rodón allowed three more game-deciding runs – Matt Olson‘s two-run homer and Michael B.‘s RBI double – and finished the day with a season-low 3.2 IP.
In short, Rodón – with 93 pitches (56 strikes), eight runs allowed (seven earned) on 11 hits (three home runs) and three strikeouts on two walks – was out of his element. For his own sake and for the reeling Yankees (51-27), he must ensure that things do not get worse.
2. On the other hand, the opposing left-hander pitched with a lead and never let the Yankees get back into the game. In fact, Chris Saleswho managed three walks and threw 61 strikes on 95 pitches, unsettled the Yankees.
Sale allowed one run on one hit and had eight strikeouts in five innings. Ultimately, the Yankees were never dangerous as the Braves bullpen picked up where Sale left off.
3. Credit Yoendrys Gomezwhom the Yankees had recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre earlier in the day. After Rodón left in the fourth inning, he made the long relief appearance the Yankees needed.
In 4.2 scoreless IP, Gómez allowed three hits while allowing five strikeouts and three walks in 78 pitches (48 strikes). Aaron Boone said before the game that the Yankees were waiting for length from Gómez out of the bullpen, and the RHP delivered in a difficult situation.
4. The Yankees have lost five of their last six games, with the lone win coming Tuesday, a 4-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Depending on what happens in the Orioles’ game at the Houston Astros on Friday, New York could lose the top spot in the AL East.
Who is the MVP?
Sale followed up Atlanta’s landmark first inning by batting out a sluggish start that frustrated New York.
Highlights
What’s next
The Yankees and Braves continue their three-game series with RHPs on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. Marcus Stroman (6-3, 3.08 ERA) and Charlie Morton (4-3, 3.91 ERA).
