The New York Yankees showcased their power against Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Brad Keller in their 6-1 victory Saturday afternoon. Keller was no match for the Yankees' relentless offense, allowing four solo homers. The righty's struggle lasted just four innings, during which he conceded all six Yankee runs. The White Sox offense made an early mark in the first inning but was swiftly shut down by the formidable Yankee starter Luis Gil.
The White Sox notched three hits in the first inning, leading to their only run of the game. Andrew Benintendi's check-swing double down the left-field line plated Tommy Pham, who led off with a single.
The most NoodleBoy RBI knock ever. We’ll take it!
— Sox On Tap (@SoxOnTap) May 18, 2024
pic.twitter.com/VQfblFmsjL
Paul DeJong walked to load the bases, but Gil fanned Korey Lee to end the threat.
In the bottom half of the first, New York responded when Juan Soto blasted a solo homer to right center. With Alex Verdugo on second, Giancarlo Stanton doubled to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead. The Yankees added to their lead in the second when Jose Trevino yanked a homer down the left-field line, and Soto doubled to expand the lead to three.
Brad Keller pic.twitter.com/DwhzHIOIK8
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) May 18, 2024
Stanton added a homer in the third, and Soto struck again in the fifth with a 437-foot homer to right center. At that point, Gil locked in, striking out the side in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings while allowing only two hits after the first.
The Yankees starter allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out 14 hitters. New York's pitching staff allowed just six hits on the day. Pham and Gavin Sheets had four of Chicago's six hits.
Michael Soroka provided a bright spot for the Pale Hose with four innings of shutout pitching in relief of Keller. He walked four, allowed two hits, and struck out seven.
Michael Soroka pic.twitter.com/FPOdbCe3Sh
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) May 18, 2024
Gavin Sheets is 3-5 in the series, breaking out of a 3-26 slump.
White Sox skipper Pedro Grifol stated that third baseman Bryan Ramos could soon start a minor league rehab assignment.
Grifol said there’s a good chance Bryan Ramos (quad) goes to Charlotte in next couple of days to play some games.
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) May 18, 2024
“Go down there and get rehabbed, get right and come back up,” Grifol said.
On Sunday afternoon, the White Sox will face former pitcher Carlos Rodon in the series finale. Chris Flexen will take the hill for the White Sox. First pitch is at 12:35 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
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