The Indians got their first look at the Yankees’ three-headed bullpen monster on Thursday night, and the result was a 5-4 victory for New York in the opener of a four-game weekend series at Progressive Field.
The American League Central-leading Indians have had a knack for late-inning heroics at home, where they boast a 25-14 record with four walk-off wins this year, but the Yankees trio of Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman shut down the Tribe over 3 2/3 combined innings.
“I hadn’t used them in three days, and that’s why I asked them to get us 11 outs tonight,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “My hope was that [Ivan] Nova could get us through six, and we turn it over to them. I felt like I had to make a change. I’ll continue to stick to my rules, because their future is important to us.”
It was a tall task for the Indians over the final three-plus frames.
“You know going in that they’re some of the best in the league,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “That doesn’t mean you’re not going to win. I thought we had some really good at-bats, but it’s certainly challenging. Any team, when you get down late, it’s hard, but those two guys at the end are pretty special.”
Chapman did deal with some late drama, though. With two outs and two runners aboard, Tyler Naquin hit an infield chopper and was deemed safe, loading the bases. The game ended, however, when a Yankees challenge resulted in an overturned call. After a replay review that lasted two minutes and 21 seconds, it was ruled that Chapman reached first just ahead of Naquin, ending the game on a 3-4-1 putout and boos from the crowd.
Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova (6-6) picked up the win after allowing four runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings against the Indians. Naquin and second baseman Jason Kipnis each homered off Nova in the third inning, and Nova gave up another pair in the sixth. The righty ended with six strikeouts and no walks in the effort.
Trevor Bauer (7-3) took the loss after being charged with five runs in 5 2/3 innings. The righty was strong out of the gates but then watched the Yankees pound out five runs between the fifth and sixth innings, sending the pitcher to the showers. Among the scoring for New York was a solo homer by Didi Gregorius, who now has a career-high 10 on the season.
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