Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton hit back-to-back homers, and Nestor Cortes went six solid innings in the New York Yankees’ 6-1 victory over the host Cleveland Guardians in the second game of a doubleheader on Saturday.
The Yankees pounded Cleveland in the first game 13-4. They have beaten the Guardians in all five meetings this season.
Cortes (7-3) allowed just three hits, one run and no walks. He struck out six batters.
For the second straight game, the Guardians jumped out to the early lead. Amed Rosario (2-for-4) bashed his third home run in the first. It traveled an estimated 388 feet. That was the only run Cleveland managed against Cortes.
The Yankees took the lead on back-to-back bombs by Rizzo and Stanton in the fourth. Rizzo’s 22nd homer traveled an estimated 409 feet, while Stanton’s 20th went even further — an estimated 432 feet. It handed New York a 2-1 lead.
The Yankees broke the game open with four runs in the seventh. Losing pitcher Aaron Civale allowed back-to-back singles by Rizzo and Stanton before being relieved by Enyel De Los Santos. He didn’t exactly close the door on the rally.
Josh Donaldson doubled in Rizzo to open up a 3-1 advantage. Donaldson scored on a throwing error by De Los Santos.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s single plated Miguel Andujar for a 5-1 lead. Gallo scored their sixth run on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Higashioka.
Civale (2-5) pitched six innings and allowed five hits, four runs and two walks. He struck out six batters.
The Guardians had their chances and left the bases loaded in the seventh and ninth innings. They finished 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine baserunners. Josh Naylor also went 2-for-4 for the Guardians.
–Field Level Media