By: Tobey Schulman
Yankees Sweep Astros
The New York Yankees opened up their 2024 season with a huge test. They would travel to Houston for a four game set with the Astros. The Yankees took their new revamped lineup into Minute Maid Park and surprised everyone watching, by sweeping the Astros and finishing the opening weekend with an undefeated 4-0 record.
Juan Soto made his presence felt early. He would take a full count walk in his first at bat of the series, a sign of things to come as he put together incredibly disciplined at bats the entire series. Soto tallied nine hits across the entire series, including a go ahead home run in game three of the series. Soto also displayed his improved fielding, throwing the game tying runner out at home in the final inning of game one to help secure the Opening Day win.
Oswaldo Cabrera has also been off to a hot start. Cabrera tallied seven hits in the series, including two home runs, six RBI’s, and a four hit day in game two. Oswaldo’s production comes as the greatest surprise of the opening series, as the nine hitter has far exceeded expectations so far. If Oswaldo can somewhat keep up this level of production for New York, it makes so much of a difference for the bottom of this order.
Anthony Volpe is another player in this Yankees lineup that looks much improved from last season. After hitting .209 in 2023, Volpe opened up the year looking much improved on all fronts. Volpe tallied four hits and walks in the series, and provided a home run for insurance late in game three.
The overall feel of the Yankees to start the season was clearly so different from the feeling the team gave last year. What was a dead offense, an aging lineup that could barely put it together on the field, looks like a new lively, hungry, and defensively sound team. Plays like Verdugo’s game winning diving catch, Soto’s outfield assist, and Jon Berti’s game saving diving stop at third, were all pivotal in securing the four Yankee wins.
Yankees pitching was solid as well. Each starter put together a decent outing, keeping the game close enough for the offense, and allowing the bullpen to do their thing, not giving up a run the entire series. The bullpen was a strongpoint for the Yankees last year, and looks to be the same beast this season.
The Yankees opened up 3-0 before sweeping the Astros for the first time since 2003. This new lineup has excited fans across the country. Houston has been a big obstacle for New York in recent years, and a four game sweep over them at their stadium could be a sign of great things to come for this 2024 Yankee roster.