Yankees look to continue dominance on big road trip

After completing a four-game sweep of the Twins, the Yankees will begin a seven-game road trip out west in hopes of extending their six-game win streak.

The Yankees will play four against the Angels in Anaheim, and three against the World Champion Astros in Houston. They’ll look to stay hot after winning 8 of 10 games on the homestand while showing improvements on the mound and at the plate.

Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia combined for quality outings for the first two games of the set. Tanaka’s line: 6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K. Sabathia’s Line: 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K. If these guys continue to give the Yanks strong starts, the rotation as a whole has a chance to be one of the best in the AL.

Sonny Gray’s struggles continued in Game 3, even with Austin Romine catching him. He was unable to escape the fifth inning, allowing six hits and five walks. The Yankees have to find a way to fix his issues. Jordan Montgomery pitched Game 4 and did not have his best stuff, but gave the Yanks a solid five innings with 2 ER.

Offensive performances this week added even greater depth to the lineup. Tyler Austin started to heat up, earning 7 RBI this series.

Didi Gregorius has continued his power at the plate, totaling 8 RBI against the Twins. Yankees offense outscored the Twins 33-11 this series. According to Coley Harvey of ESPN, Didi credited his hitting success to the team’s performance, saying:

“If the team is playing good, I’m doing good. If the team is not doing good, then I’m not doing good. That’s how I look at it.”

Also notable is Yankees No. 1 prospect Gleyber Torres’ debut at the Stadium on 4/23. He earned his first hit on 4/24. Rookie Miguel Andujar continues to be an extra-base machine and joined elite company the first game of the series with his hitting streak.

Perhaps the highlight of the series was Gary Sanchez’ 3-run walk-off blast in the series finale that propelled the Yanks to victory after the bats went hitless through 5.2-innings.

The upcoming road trip will test the resilience of this team. The Yanks will not have an off day until May 7 and will face three very difficult opponents starting tonight in Anaheim against the Angels. It is crucial for the offense to string together quality at-bats, starting pitchers to give depth, and the bullpen to hold it down the last several innings.

Tyler Austin will serve his four-game suspension starting in tonight. Look for Didi to continue hitting well and the lineup’s momentum to hold strong with Sevy pitching the first game. Series wins on the road will help the Yankees gain the confidence they need to perform well down the road and into October.

Next: Yankees need Dellin Betances to be more consistent

Game 1 Matchup: Severino (4-1, 2.32 ERA) v.s. Heaney (0-1, 9.64 ERA). Game 2: Tanaka (3-2, 4.97 ERA) v.s. Richards (3-0, 4.36 ERA). Game 3: Sabathia (1-0, 1.86 ERA) v.s. Skaggs (3-1, 2.96 ERA).

Keep the winning streak going.