ANAHEIM – When Aaron Judge stepped up to the plate, all eyes were on him. The reigning American League MVP was deliberately walked twice in the early innings of the Yankees’ showdown against the Angels, a clear signal of respect from the opposition. As he tipped his helmet and exchanged a knowing glance with Angels manager Ron Washington, one couldn’t help but appreciate the strategic dance unfolding on the diamond.
“It’s like being a fan yourself,” Schmidt remarked on the electrifying atmosphere. “We were in here cheering every pitch, every strike. It’s a lot of fun.” Such energy was palpable in the Yankees’ dugout, underscoring the team’s commitment to grinding out every moment, especially against a formidable opponent.
With the absence of key arms like Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, Mark Leiter Jr. took the mound for the ninth inning and delivered a nail-biting performance, earning his second save of the season. He struck out Logan O’Hoppe with a called third strike that secured a historic victory — the Yankees’ first 1-0 win over the Angels since 1970.
Leiter, enthusiastic about his outing, argued that his 74.8 mph curveball just caught the zone. However, catcher J.C. Escarra had a different take, playfully acknowledging that the pitch may have been a bit outside. “Definitely a ball, way out there,” Escarra admitted, all while flashing a smile, reminding us how crucial framing can be in high-leverage situations. “That one was really special, because it was to win a ballgame.”
Leiter was quick to agree, stating, “That went our way, then,” encapsulating the rollercoaster nature of baseball where every pitch can shift the momentum.
Now in his second season with the Yankees after being acquired from the Cubs, Leiter’s performance has started mirroring the team’s expectations. Manager Aaron Boone describes him as “fearless,” highlighting a noticeable increase in pitch velocity and crispness that has made his two-seamer particularly effective. “It definitely helps if your stuff gets better,” Leiter pointed out while reflecting on his mechanical adjustments.
Before Leiter took the mound, Clarke Schmidt set the tone with a stunning four-hit outing against an Angels team that has recently faced challenges scoring runs. After an impressive eight-game win streak where they averaged 7.6 runs, the Yankees’ pitching staff stifled the Halos, allowing just three runs throughout the series.
“Our guys have great stuff, and they throw strikes and execute,” Schmidt emphasized, crediting the pitching depth and talent that seems to elevate its performance under pressure.
The Angels’ strategy to intentionally walk Judge twice, amidst his dangerous presence at the plate, highlighted a clear tactical approach initiated by Washington. It’s not every day you see a player walked intentionally multiple times in one game, a testament to Judge’s potential impact, especially as he became the first Yankee since 1953 to face such a strategic decision. Indeed, it left many pondering about the game dynamics had Judge had the opportunity to swing away.
Judge’s perspective on the intentional walks was light-hearted yet competitive. “He’s dangerous,” Washington stated, affirming his decision-making process as he faced Judge’s potent bat. Judge remained unfazed, ready to contribute whenever called upon, exemplifying his leadership mentality in the dugout.
As the Yankees celebrated their fifth consecutive win, the vibrancy in their locker room was unmistakable. Fueled by anticipation for an upcoming series against the Dodgers, the team took a moment to relish their success, munching on In-N-Out Burgers as they prepared to hit the road.
“It’s going to be great to see how we stack up against them,” said Judge, capturing the collective excitement among teammates. With their eyes set on the weekend series, the Yankees are eager to showcase their growth and resilience, proving themselves as serious contenders as the season progresses.
Historic Partnership: MLB Backs New Women’s Softball League
In a groundbreaking move for women’s professional sports, Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced its support for the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), which is set to kick off its inaugural season on June 7. This partnership marks a significant investment in the future of women’s softball, showcasing MLB’s dedication to fostering growth in the sport at all levels.
MLB’s investment comes as part of a broader strategy to not only raise the profile of the AUSL but also to enhance the connection between baseball and its female athlete counterparts. “Major League Baseball’s investment in the AUSL represents an opportunity to support softball’s long-term growth,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. This strategic alignment comes as women’s sports experience a surge in popularity, offering a platform for some of the best talent in softball to thrive professionally.
Kim Ng, the league’s commissioner and a trailblazer in her own right, noted the importance of this partnership. Having previously held significant roles in MLB, including as the first female general manager in a major American men’s professional sports team, Ng is positioned well to lead the AUSL as it embarks on this new journey. “This agreement reflects our confidence in Kim Ng’s leadership, the AUSL vision, and the incredible talent of its athletes,” Manfred stated, underscoring the confidence in the direction forward.
AUSL’s first season will introduce a traveling circuit featuring four teams — the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts — engaging in 24 games across ten different cities, culminating in a championship series at the University of Alabama. This innovative format is set to bring excitement and competition, bringing together both fans and players in a celebration of the sport.
On CBS Mornings, Ng enthusiastically spoke about the significance of MLB’s support. “This is an incredible step for both sports,” she said, emphasizing the connection between women’s collegiate and professional softball and the positive implications this partnership holds for young girls aspiring to pursue sports.
MLB has previously supported softball through various youth engagement initiatives but this direct investment marks its first foray into a professional women’s league. This commitment is set to facilitate operational costs for the AUSL while providing numerous collaborative opportunities across MLB’s extensive business operations, significantly elevating the league’s visibility.
Athletes from the AUSL were selected through a draft that included former collegiate stars and current standout talents, ensuring a mix of experienced players and fresh feet ready to make their mark. With a roster bolstered by talented individuals, AUSL aims to drive fandom and community engagement while contributing significantly to the landscape of women’s sports.
As excitement builds for the upcoming AUSL season, the commitment from MLB not only stands to elevate the league but also serves as a testament to the ever-growing recognition and appreciation for women athletes in sports. This partnership is a promising sign of progress, paving the way for a more vibrant and inclusive sporting future.
