Yankees take Game 3 as Tanaka Dominates, Judge Leaps, and Bird Homers

Staring in the face of elimination, the New York Yankees got a dominant performance from starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka in a 1-0 win that keeps hopes alive. Cleveland still leads the series two games to one, but the Yankees are still alive, with Game 4 scheduled for Monday night.

The Game 3 crowd at Yankee Stadium was fired up early, even booing manager Joe Girardi for his decisions throughout a Game 2 loss on Saturday. However, once the game started, the fans were treated to a very good game.

Tanaka gave up just three hits and struck out seven in seven innings to earn the win Sunday night.

Indians starter Carlos Carrasco did his part, tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings to keep the scoreboard knotted at zero. The Yankees were hitless against Carrasco until Didi Gregorius singled in the fourth inning.

In the seventh, first baseman Greg Bird hit a solo home run off Indians reliever Andrew Miller, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead. Bird, who has had a tumultuous year dealing with injuries, was the hero Sunday night.

The Indians nearly took a 2-0 lead off Tanaka in the sixth when Francisco Lindor drove a ball toward the right-field stands. However, right fielder Aaron Judge used his 6’7″ frame to jump, robbing Lindor of the two-run shot and keeping the game scoreless.

David Robertson started the eighth in relief of Tanaka and recorded an out and a walk. Girardi then called upon closer Aroldis Chapman of the five-out save. Chapman gave up two hits and struck out four in 1 2/3 innings for the save.

The Yankees are not done yet. Luis Severino is scheduled to pitch Monday and the Yankees will attempt to tie the series and force a Game 5.