Pitching Plus Power Equals Yankee Victory

Jul 18, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) is congratulated by shortstop Derek Jeter (2) after hitting a two-run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees 10 game homestand is going to decide the season. The first stanza of it got off to a promising start as David Phelps threw his fourth straight start allowing two runs or fewer as the Yankees beat the Reds 4-3.

The Yankees got to Mike Leake right away in the bottom of the first. Brett Gardner was hit by a pitch and stole second. Mark Teixeira walked and Brian McCann doubled in Gardner to make it 1-0.

The Reds tied it in the third when Brayan Pena tied the game with his fourth homer of the year. The Yankees took the lead right back in the bottom half. Derek Jeter and Jacoby Ellsbury singled and newly activated Carlos Beltran singled in a run.

The Reds tied it in the fourth thanks to bad defense. Zack Cozart singled and Todd Frazier reached on Brian Roberts‘ error. After a groundout, Jeter’s error tied the game.

The Yanks would take the lead for good in the fifth. Jeter singled and Ellsbury did something that the Yanks had envisioned all year, hitting a homer to the short porch in right.

Dellin Betances and David Robertson shut the door, pitching 2.2 shutout relief.

Game two of the series is tomorrow at 1:05. NL All-Star Alfredo Simon will take on Brandon McCarthy, making his home debut.