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Yankees Sweep Mariners in Thrilling Three-Game Series
New York, May 16, 2024 — The New York Yankees opened their series against the Seattle Mariners with a solid 5-1 victory at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees' bats came alive in the fourth inning, providing more than enough support for their pitchers to secure the win.
The Yankees struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Bake McBride doubled and later scored on Charlie Gehringer's double, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead. In the fourth inning, the Yankees broke the game open. McBride walked, and Cliff Heathcote singled, setting the stage for Wade Boggs' two-run double. Ted Williams followed with a two-run single, extending the lead to 5-0.
Billy O'Dell was dominant on the mound for the Yankees, pitching six innings of one-hit ball and striking out three. "I felt great out there tonight," O'Dell said. "The guys made some great plays behind me, and it was a total team effort."
The Mariners managed to get on the board in the ninth inning when Derek Jeter hit a solo home run off Scott McGregor, but it was too little, too late.
Player Quotes:
- Ted Williams: "It was a great team effort. We had some key hits and played solid defense."
- Billy O'Dell: "Everything was working for me tonight. The defense was stellar, and it felt good to get the win."
Key Performances:
- Wade Boggs: 2-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs
- Billy O'Dell: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 K
New York, May 17, 2024 — The Yankees continued their strong performance with a 4-1 win over the Mariners in the second game of the series. Harmon Killebrew led the offensive charge with three hits, including a double, and an RBI.
The Mariners took an early lead in the fourth inning when Jimmie Foxx singled home Derek Jeter, who had reached on a single and stolen second base. However, the Yankees responded in the bottom half of the inning. George Davis singled and advanced to second on an error. Killebrew doubled him home, and Kirby Puckett's groundout allowed Killebrew to score, giving the Yankees a 2-1 lead.
In the sixth inning, Killebrew and Puckett both singled, and Bill Freehan's single brought home Killebrew. A bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Cliff Heathcote added another run, making it 4-1.
Stan Coveleski was excellent on the mound, allowing just one run on four hits over seven innings, striking out four. Al Hrabosky closed the game with a perfect ninth inning. "I was able to locate my pitches well," Coveleski said. "The defense was outstanding behind me."
Player Quotes:
- Harmon Killebrew: "I was seeing the ball well tonight. It was a great team win."
- Stan Coveleski: "Everything was clicking. The guys behind me made all the plays, and it was a great feeling."
Key Performances:
- Harmon Killebrew: 3-for-4, double, RBI
- Stan Coveleski: 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 4 K
New York, May 18, 2024 — In an exhilarating final game, the Yankees came from behind to defeat the Mariners 9-6, completing the sweep in dramatic fashion.
The Mariners took the lead early, with a run in the second inning on a single by Harold Baines that scored Tommie Agee. They added another run in the fourth and two more in the fifth, taking a 4-0 lead. The Yankees clawed back in the sixth with a two-run homer by Harmon Killebrew.
Bottom of the 8th Inning:
Lou Gehrig started the Yankees' rally with a leadoff double off Mariners' starter Jim Perry, who had been effective up to that point. Kirby Puckett followed with a single, placing runners on the corners. Bake McBride's sacrifice fly brought Gehrig home, narrowing the Mariners' lead to 4-3. "I was just trying to get something in the air deep enough to score Lou," McBride said. Harmon Killebrew then walked, prompting the Mariners to bring in reliever Doug Corbett. Bid McPhee came up with a clutch triple to left field off Corbett, scoring Puckett and Killebrew, giving the Yankees a 5-4 lead. "I was looking for a pitch I could drive, and I got one," McPhee said. Darrell Porter's sacrifice fly added another insurance run, making it 6-4.
Top of the 9th Inning:
The Mariners were determined to come back. The Yankees brought in Al Hrabosky to close out the game. Jeter singled, and Hornsby followed with a single of his own, advancing Jeter to second. Carl Furillo's double off Hrabosky scored Jeter, cutting the deficit to 6-5. With runners on second and third, a balk by Steve Mingori, who had just replaced Hrabosky, allowed Hornsby to score, tying the game at 6-6.
Bottom of the 9th Inning:
The Yankees' resilience showed in the bottom of the ninth. Wade Boggs led off with a single off Corbett, and Ted Williams walked, setting the stage for Gehrig's heroics. On a 2-1 count, Gehrig crushed a towering three-run homer to center field, winning the game for the Yankees in dramatic fashion. "It was an unbelievable moment," Gehrig said. "I just wanted to make solid contact and give us a chance to win."
The Yankees' comeback win in Game 3 showcased their resilience and determination, securing a thrilling series sweep over the Mariners.
Player Quotes:
- Lou Gehrig: "It was an incredible feeling to come through for the team. We never gave up."
- Kirby Puckett: "This team has a lot of heart. We fought back and got the win."
Key Performances:
- Lou Gehrig: 2-for-5, double, home run, 3 RBIs
- Harmon Killebrew: 2-for-3, home run, 2 RBIs
- Bid McPhee: 1-for-4, triple, 2 RBIs
Series MVP: Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig was the standout player for the Yankees in this series, earning the Series MVP honors. Gehrig's clutch performances and consistent hitting were instrumental in the Yankees' sweep of the Mariners. Over the three games, Gehrig accumulated a .400 batting average, going 4-for-10 with a double, a home run, and 3 RBIs. His game-winning three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 3 was the highlight of the series and showcased his ability to perform under pressure. Gehrig also contributed defensively, making key plays at first base.
Series Stats for Lou Gehrig:
- Batting Average: .400
- Hits: 4
- Doubles: 1
- Home Runs: 1
- RBIs: 3
Gehrig's Quotes:
- "It was an incredible feeling to come through for the team. We never gave up."
- "I just wanted to make solid contact and give us a chance to win."
Lou Gehrig's leadership and performance were crucial in the Yankees' success, making him the well-deserved MVP of the series.
