Yankees Crush Nationals, Set Sights on White Sox
The New York Yankees showcased their power on Wednesday night, hitting six home runs in an 11–2 blowout victory over the Washington Nationals at Yankee Stadium.
Four of those long balls came during a remarkable third inning in which Yankees hitters also forced Washington pitchers to throw 77 pitches. “That was some bangin’ right there,” manager Aaron Boone said after the game.
Aaron Judge, who launched his team-leading 41st home run, emphasized the value of New York’s disciplined approach at the plate. “You kind of get a feel for what their game plan is, what the pitcher’s strengths are, what he’s feeling that day,” Judge said. “It kind of helps you fine-tune your approach when you get up there.”
The Yankees enter their seven-game road trip against the Chicago White Sox on a hot streak, winning four straight and nine of their last 12. They sit a half-game behind the Boston Red Sox for the first American League wild-card berth and 4 1/2 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.
Chicago, despite owning the league’s worst record, has already collected 14 series victories this season—well ahead of last year’s eight. Rookie catcher/designated hitter Edgar Quero has impressed with two multi-hit games in three starts on the current homestand. However, the team suffered a setback when center fielder Luis Robert Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a left hamstring strain. General manager Chris Getz said Robert could miss “several weeks.”
“He’s played extremely hard,” manager Will Venable said. “Every time I tell him that he’s got a day off, he fights me on it. And it’s just because he’s a guy that wants to be out there, he wants to play hard, he wants to set the tone for the guys, and compete. Not to have him is going to be tough.”
On the mound Thursday, New York will turn to Will Warren (7–6, 4.47 ERA), who is looking to rebound after giving up five runs in four innings in a loss to Boston. Warren faced the White Sox once before, earning a no-decision last August in New York’s 10–2 victory.
Chicago counters with right-hander Davis Martin (5–9, 3.93 ERA), who has won three of his past four decisions, including a 7–3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Martin also faced the Yankees on Aug. 14, 2024, allowing just one run in 5 2/3 innings in his only career appearance against New York.
Friday marks the first meeting of the season between the Yankees and White Sox. The teams will face off again in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium from September 23 to 25.
