The New York Yankees scored early and often in their 11-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night. New York scored six runs in the first four innings and a run in six of the last nine. According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, a defensive play energized the team.
Boone noted his team’s heads-up play in the bottom of the first inning to catch Mariners outfielder Victor Robles at the plate was critical for the Yankees. Even though New York had a lead, it concluded a grueling inning for starting Luis Gil.
“He was hesitating a lot at initially, and we were aware of him over there; he could do something. But the 3-0 score seemed like a great break, a nice gift for us,” Boone told ESPN.
Robles was caught stealing for the first time this season. In 2024, he swiped 25 bags without being booted out. He looked to injure his hand on the play and departed the game, but X-rays proved negative.
The Yankees continued to pile on the runs, scoring in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Juan Soto blasted his 40th home run of the season and 200th of his career, making him the seventh-youngest MLB player to reach that milestone. The Yankees had 12 hits, but Luis Gil allowed one run over five innings with a big lead.
The Yankees have one foot in the postseason as their division advantage rises.
After hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park, New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) celebrates with teammates in the dugout.
With the Yankees’ recent performance, it’s difficult not to be excited about the playoffs. New York has won five of six games and is on track to reach 90 wins as their advantage in the American League East expands.
The Yankees are now four games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles with little over a week remaining in the regular season. It is their best advantage since early June, when they led by four and a half games.
While their division lead appears to be secure, the Yankees must still compete for the American League’s top spot. This would give them home-field advantage throughout the ALCS. They are close to tying the Philadelphia Phillies for the greatest record in MLB, but time is not on their favor.
The Yankees and Orioles will meet again next week in a series that will reveal much about both clubs. By then, the Yankees may have clinched the division title.
Before facing the Orioles, New York has two more games against the Mariners and a series with the Oakland Athletics.
