Yesterday was a day of many aggravations, right down to not being able to watch the FA Cup Final on American television. Since 2008, when I became aware that this competition existed, the opportunity to watch it had always been there, even if, for whatever reason, outside circumstances prevented me from watching it.
But when Arsenal beat Chelsea, a team all Gooners despise, to win the FA Cup, a trophy all Gooners prize (whether they admit it or not), and the Yankees go on to beat the Boston Red Sox, then, no matter what else happened -- barring a genuine tragedy or a nasty personal injury, neither of which happened -- it's a good day.
Following the comebacker that hit him in the head during "Spring" Training, Masahiro Tanaka had been held back, but last night was his 2020 season debut. It was decided to keep him on a 50-pitch limit. But he couldn't finish the 3rd inning, even with 51 pitches, so he was taken out.
Fortunately, the Yankees had already taken the lead, on home runs by Aaron Judge in the 1st inning (455 feet) and Gio Urshela in the 2nd (412 feet and a grand slam). That gave the bullpen a chance. Luis Avilán, a 31-year-old Venezuelan who actually managed to go 4-0 for the Mets last season, finished the 3rd and pitched the 4th. Nick Nelson, a 24-year-old righthander from Florida, made his major league debut, and pitched the next 3 innings. David Hale pitched the last 2.
Yankees 5, Red Sox 2. WP: Nelson (1-0). SV: Hale (1). LP: Zach Godley (0-1). The Yankees have now taken the 1st 2 games of this series against The Scum, and are 6-1 to start the season, the best record in baseball.
The series concludes tonight. James Paxton starts against Austin Brice. Come on you Pinstripes, sweep The Scum!