Yankees win over Red Sox propelled by nearly perfect James Paxton

While some may delay putting the Sonny Gray comparisons to bed just yet, James Paxton’s dominant performance over Boston on Tuesday proves why the Yankees traded for him this past offseason.

Following James Paxton’s sluggish start to life in pinstripes, the 30-year-old left-hander needed to endear himself to the Yankees faithful in a big way. And with the surprisingly woeful Red Sox in town, there was no time like the present.

Despite Chris Sale pitching more like a clearance sale during April, no one expected the game to be quite as easy as the Yanks and Paxton made it appear.

However, Paxton, who only reached 99 mph on two occasions in 2018 as a member of the Mariners, came out of the gate firing. Backed by an extra shot of adrenaline that was his first taste of the storied Sox-Yanks rivalry, Paxton was nearly perfect for eight innings.

What began with three, 1-2-3 innings culminated in a two-hit, one walk, 12 strikeout performance (most by a Yankee starter since Joba Chamberlain 10 years ago) across 110 pitches. The Big Maple consistently hit 97-98 mph on the radar gun well into his final frame of work.

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After going 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA in his first three starts, which included Carlos Beltran’s admission that Paxton was tipping his pitches in his previous loss to the Astros, Paxton took command of the inner portion of the plate, throwing 78 pitches for strikes and lowering his ERA to a respectable 3.91.

With no Yankees starter yet to complete seven innings this season, and Aaron Boone working the bullpen to the bone, an excellent, deep start was precisely what the Yanks needed. Doing so against the Sox and prolonging their World Series hangover only makes things that much sweeter. As Paxton told Joel Sherman of the New York Post:

"“It’s a big deal because it’s against Boston, especially being here, we want to beat Boston every time,” Paxton said. “And it was a big start for me, just to get my feet under me and show myself that I can be here and do this.”"

Naturally, the Yankees barrage of offensive firepower against Sale (who is now 0-4 with an 8.50 ERA) only further enhanced Paxton’s confidence as he mowed through Boston’s lineup.

The Bombers received significant contributions up and down their order, especially from the long ball which was provided by Clint Frazier, Gleyber Torres and a surprise Mike Tauchmann three-run moon-shot.

Both Aaron Judge and Tauchman went 2-for-4, while every other starter notched one hit apiece.

There was also Gio Urshela doing his best Nolan Arenado impersonation, when he backhanded a ball past the third base line, deep into foul territory — and slipping to his bum while throwing a dart to first base to nab the speedy Mookie Betts.

All-in-all, it was a fantastic evening that hopefully propels the Yankees to equally successful future performances. As for Paxton, he becomes the first Yankee pitcher since Mike Mussina way back in 2001 to throw at least eight innings against the Red Sox while striking out 12 batters.

Now that’s the way to leave a mark!