Yankees slam Mets in extras, sweep doubleheader

The Yankees shook off a seven-game losing streak by winning three straight in dramatic fashion against the Mets. After avoiding the new extra-inning rules by not playing free baseball until today, the team played back-to-back games going one more inning than planned to get the win. The nightcap concluded with a 5-2 decision in favor of the road team playing in their home stadium, courtesy of a Gary Sanchez grand slam.

Without further ado, let’s get into the highlights:

• Before the fireworks, this game was a seven-inning version of a pitcher’s duel. Deivi Garcia dealed in his major-league debut, pitching six innings of one-run ball — and the run was unearned. Garcia struck out six batters while allowing four hits and no walks. He had the curveball working on both halves of the strike zone, and pumped in fastballs to get some big swings and misses. It was an impressive performance for the 21-year-old:

• However, it wasn’t enough to earn the win. The Yankees were only able to provide him with one run of support via a Tyler Wade solo home run in the top of the third. Yes, that is correct. A Tyler Wade home run. This Yankees offense has been surprising in plenty of ways over the past couple of weeks.
• Neither side could break the 1-1 tie after seven innings, so for the second time in 24 hours they went into extras. Brett Gardner began the eighth inning on second base, and Clint Frazier worked a four-pitch walk to get runners on first and second. After a Gio Urshela fly out moved the runners up, Mike Tachman was intentionally walked in order to face the pinch-hitting Sanchez.
• That, as it turned out, was a mistake. Sanchez smashed a 2-2 offering up in the zone out to left-center, hitting a grand slam to put the team ahead 5-1. It was a much-needed clutch performance from Sanchez, who has struggled mightily in 2020.
• The game wasn’t out of reach, however. Jonathan Holder pitched a clean seventh but came out for the eighth. Holder recorded two outs but allowed three baserunners to reach and one to score. Luis Cessa had to be called in with the tying run at the plate, and he struck out Wilson Ramos to end the game.

Box Score.