WHEN THE YANKEES COME TO BALTIMORE & DO SOME DAMAGE

Source: Baltimore Sun

Well Friday night's game was a game. But it needed to be that kind of game to wake up the Yankees and get them going. Honestly, it seems like this team only rises when there is drama or chaos - can't they do it on their own? But I have to admit, it's been a lot of fun to watch the Yankees beat up on the Orioles heading into the All Star Break.

"In the eight games between the teams this season, 10 Baltimore batters and three New York hitters have been hit by pitches. In their June series at Yankee Stadium, Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres were hit in the opener, and the next night Baltimore star Gunnar Henderson was plunked," reported ESPN. And if you are just catching up, Friday night was more like Friday night at the fights rather than a chill baseball at Camden Yards. 

"With one out, Clay Holmes' pitch hit Kjerstad around the ear flap. After a delay, Kjerstad was able to get up but left the game. Then things escalated, with Orioles manager Brandon Hyde walking toward the New York dugout and pointing, at which point Yankees catcher Austin Wells tried to restrain Hyde but benches and bullpens emptied," reported ESPN. But it was the real deal on Saturday as the Yankees bested the O's 6-1 after six long innings behind Luis Gil. No drama, just good baseball. 

Source: Reuters

The Yankees are going for a series a win and perhaps a sweep today as they cruise into the All Star Break. Both teams have had their rough outings, and recently skids in the AL East. As ESPN reported, "For over three weeks, the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees have been in sort of a joint slump -- not enough to knock them out of the top two spots in the American League East, but frustrating nonetheless."

Here's hoping the Yankees go out on "break" with three wins and when they come back, they are red hot, firing on all cylinders. This could still be the Yankees year, if they stay positive, focused and healthy. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof