Opening Day saw a stunning comeback by the Yankees over the Astros

WABC in Houston On Opening Day, the New York Yankees thrillingly overcame a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Houston Astros.

On Thursday, the Yankees trailed early after a shaky Nestor Cortes gave up three runs in the first inning’s bottom. The left-handed pitcher’s performance in the second inning didn’t improve as he allowed Astros outfielder Jake Meyers to hit a solo home run to put the score at 4-0.

However, Cortes would calm down, enabling the Yankees to gradually wear down Framber Valdez, the Astros’ opening pitcher. Juan Soto, a rookie, opened the fifth inning with a bases-loaded RBI single to spark the Bronx Bombers’ comeback.

Before infielder Oswaldo Cabrera hit a solo shot to tie the game at four in the top of the sixth, they would add two more runs to the score in that inning. Then, in the top of the seventh inning, outfielder Alex Verdugo, another off-season addition, would sacrifice a fly to give the Yankees the lead.

Relievers Jonathan Loaisiga and Ian Hamilton combined to pitch three scoreless innings, giving the Yankees bullpen the lead that they would not give up.

With Clay Holmes closer to the mound at the bottom of the ninth, things would become dangerous. With one out, the right-hander gave up another hit to Yordan Alvarez following his opening single to Mauricio Dubon.

Kyle Tucker then hit a single to right field with runners on first and second, setting up the most exciting play of the game. Dubon was speeding toward third base when Soto caught the ball and launched a one-hopper to home plate, leaving little room for error.

Credit: New York Post

Strong throw that beat Dubon at the dish but went a little off-target, causing Yankee catcher Jose Trevino to dive to his left and grab the runner trying to slide around him with a clever swipe tag.
The ump called an out on the bang-bang play, but Houston contested the ruling. The Astros were down to their finals when, after a few tense minutes, the ruling was upheld following a review.

After Alex Bregman reached base with two outs and hit a ground ball to short, Anthony Volpe fielded it easily, forcing the runner out at second and sealing the Yankees’ 5-4 triumph. Aaron Judge, the center fielder for the Yankees, claims that just prior to the play, the team’s outfield players discussed the urgency of coming up with a throw to win the game.

Judge remarked, “That right there was a Yankee classic.” “Juan’s debut—that was pretty special out of him.” There were other classic Soto items in that premiere. a walk on eight pitches in his debut at bat with the Yankees. An RBI single off Framber Valdez in a hard left-on-lefty matchup. One more stroll.

However, the difference lay in the throw-home.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised the player’s “process, work ethic, and care factor about not just hitting; he takes a lot of pride in his defense.” “He aspires to play excellent defense. He aspires to be a great baserunner. “And he produced a hugely successful defensive play today.”
The only area of concern on Soto’s resume has been defense. The eyes corroborated the data, which indicates that he has performed at a below average or worse level recently.

He was aware that, to maximize his value to the Yankees and in free agency the following winter, he had to get better. Therefore, he focused his spring training efforts on defense.

After representing the San Diego Padres in all 154 games last season in left field, the first step involved acclimating to right field once more. This included learning the routes and throwing angles. Luis Rojas, the third-base coach for the Yankees, was helpful.

On Thursday, that labor paid off in the ninth inning. “It’s simply an amazing sensation,” Soto stated. “It tells you I’m going the right way with what I’ve been doing, and I’m more excited to keep going.” Since they defeated Houston in a three-game series in September of last year, the Yankees have defeated the Astros four times in a row during the regular season.

Now, the Bombers will start Friday’s second game of the season with left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon, who will be on the bump.