Yankees Highlights: Gary Sanchez hits grand slam, Luis Cessa makes things stressful

This version of the Yankees continues to surprise. The replacement-level lineup hammered out six runs, and the pitching held on just long enough to secure the win. That’s two in a row and 10 of their last 12.

Winner of the Game

Earlier today at the Pinstripe Alley offices, we wondered if Gary Sanchez could have used a few more rehab games. I said he’ll shake off the rust, and goodness, did he do that. With the bases loaded in the top of the fifth inning, Sanchez crushed a grand slam to bust the game open. With an exit velocity of 110.8 mph, the ball traveled 467 feet. It was a no-doubter off the bat.

DJ LeMahieu also had a strong game, which at this point feels routine. He collected an RBI and played the heck out of second base.

Brandon Belt never had a chance.

Honorable Mention: J.A. Happ, Gio Urshela

Loser of the Game

Home plate umpire Jim Reynolds had a brutal game. Consider this thread:

I know it’s easy to blame the umpires, and sometimes it feels like piling on, but yikes. Reynolds couldn’t get out of his own this afternoon.

Also, Luis Cessa had a brutal ninth inning. He pitched well in the eighth, but yeesh, the wheels came off during his second inning of work. He allowed four runs on a pair of homers to Yangervis Solarte and Erik Kratz. Wouldn’t you know it, even former Yankee role players are having a great time.

Honorable Mention: Gleyber Torres

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