Yankees have a 4-run lead heading into the 9th, at home, with their All-Star closer on the mound against the (possibly) worst team in baseball. Sounds like an easy win, right? Today it was a bit more dramatic than it should have been, as Chasen Shreve came in to bail Chapman out after he threw 16 balls out of 19 pitches. Aaron Boone didn’t want to hurt his closer’s feelings, but Shreve was the right move for the victory today.

The game started with a clean first inning from Sonny Gray, and I thought I must still be dreaming, having only woken up a few minutes before game time (10 am in Vegas). I realized I was awake when Sonny gave up a bomb, and the lead, in the second inning. After that Sonny Gray was great, until his 2 walks in the sixth that led to runs, and him being pulled.

Robertson was okay, not great, as he allowed the inherited runners to score. Holder and Betances pitched scoreless innings in their relief appearances. Chapman doesn’t seem like the kind of guy you bring in with more than a 3-run lead, so I’m not worried about him, and I understand the concept of getting him some work after the break, but it all backfired quickly. For the second straight day, Chasen Shreve was there for Bronx Bombers in the clutch.

The Yankees offense didn’t show up until the fourth inning, but it was nice to see a bunch of runs scored, and without the help of any homers. Miguel Andujar scored 3 runs today, and already has 5 hits in this series. Anyone worrying about him slumping a bit before the break can breathe easy for a while. Judge eventually added a home run, his 26th, in the seventh inning. Bird and Romine with 2 big RBI a piece.

That ninth inning almost put a sour taste in my mouth before writing this piece, but luckily Chasen Shreve took care of business. Now I can enjoy my birthday tonight, and into tomorrow, since this series doesn’t finish until 5 pm Vegas time. Yankees lost on my b-day last year (July 22nd), so hopefully that’s something they change this season.

Yankees 3 Stars of the Game

* Miguel Andujar

** Chasen Shreve

*** Aaron Judge