The New York Yankees extended their winning streak to eight games on April 26, defeating the Houston Astros 8-3. José Caballero played a key role at the bottom of the order, hitting a home run for the second consecutive night and recording his third straight multi-hit game with a 3-for-5 performance.
Caballero’s recent success has been notable for the team. Over his last 14 games since April 11, he is batting .377 with three home runs, four doubles, and ten runs batted in. “Just keeping it simple,” said Caballero. “Trying to just shorten my swing and connect with the ball and stay on time.”
The Yankees’ offense was supported by additional home runs from Austin Wells and Trent Grisham. The team collected twelve hits and drew ten walks during the game, including bases-loaded walks issued to Cody Bellinger and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Manager Aaron Boone credited patience at the plate as an important factor: “Patience was the difference tonight,” Boone said. “Just really good at-bats, deep counts, really good takes in walking situations.”
Boone also praised Caballero’s contributions both offensively and on base paths: “Just a tough out,” Boone said. “Just a gritty, tough player. You kind of want him up there in certain situations…he’s doing a good job of putting the ball in play.” Although Caballero was caught twice attempting to steal third after successfully stealing second for his tenth stolen base without being caught this season, Boone remained supportive: “[If] you’re going to take as many extra bases as he is, you’re going to get caught from time to time.”
Starting pitcher Ryan Weathers returned from paternity leave after witnessing the birth of his first child earlier in the week. Weathers allowed six hits but no walks over five-and-a-third innings while striking out four batters. He reflected on balancing family events with professional responsibilities: “It’s still my job. I still have to perform… Just go with that mindset,” Weathers said.
Austin Wells gave New York back its lead with a solo home run in the seventh inning off Kai-Wei Teng before seven more Yankee walks helped build their advantage late against an Astros pitching staff that has struggled with control this season.
First baseman Ben Rice highlighted how different players are contributing throughout this winning stretch: “[We’re] being patient when we need to, being aggressive when we need to,” Rice said after going three-for-four at bat.
