Yankees get flawless start from left-hander in 4-3 win over the Phillies

This was a huge start for Carlos Rodon, who was able to fire 5.2 innings of no-hit baseball against the Phillies, sitting in the mid-90s and showing off excellent command of his arsenal. He was throwing a healthy dose of four-seamers, mixing in some sliders, cutters, and curveballs as well when needed. The southpaw struck out five batters and walked just one, and he’s quietly putting together a good campaign in Spring Training. Just like it was too soon to freak out about his early struggles, it’s too soon to say he’s back, but this is a step in the right direction.

In four starts he has a 2.93 ERA with 14 strikeouts, and while he’ll need to continue ramping up and getting himself ready for the second start of the season in Houston. Ian Hamilton would finish the sixth inning after a cool moment where Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre came out and made the pitching change, and he’d get a strikeout to end his workload for the game. Jonathan Loaisiga, who will have a new role as a multi-inning reliever, came in and allowed a home run and in his inning of work with a strikeout as well.

Cody Poteet, who is also in the mix for the fifth starter job, gave up two runs on four hits as he made an error and had some unfortunate luck with various batted balls. Overall, it was a strong day for the Yankees’ pitching staff, and their offense have some bright moments as well. The first salvo came off the bat of Oswaldo Cabrera, who cranked a solo shot over the right field wall to make the score 1-0, and he’s starting to come alive after a tough start to Spring Training. The Yankees would tack on another run in the inning after as Alex Verdugo sent a single up the middle.

A ball that snuck under the glove of Darick Hall would drive in Oswaldo Cabrera, as Anthony Volpe smoked the ball at 107 MPH for the Yankees’ third run of the game. A hit-by-pitch for Kevin Smith brought home Giancarlo Stanton, and that was just enough for them to edge out the Phillies in the afternoon contest. The Yankees would have eight hits and three walks on the day, and they’ll pick things back up on Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, as they hope to get Aaron Judge back in the lineup for a home game at George M. Steinbrenner Field.