Giancarlo Stanton powered the New York Yankees to a 4-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 22, delivering a home run and a two-run double in the series opener.
The matchup drew attention as one of baseball’s most notable rivalries, with both teams looking to set the tone early in their series. Stanton’s performance was central to the Yankees’ success, especially after entering the game without a hit against left-handed pitching this season.
“It’s always a fun rivalry game, no matter where each team is in the standings,” Stanton said. “It’s just a good experience; a good, pure baseball place to play. And you’ve got to raise your game in those types of situations.”
Stanton ended his hitless streak against left-handers by homering off Connelly Early in the second inning. He later added a two-run double off Early in the sixth. Randal Grichuk contributed with an RBI double in the eighth inning. “He can hit the ball as hard as anyone in this game,” Grichuk said. “It’s fun to watch him connect.”
Manager Aaron Boone credited recent rest days for helping Stanton recharge after playing five consecutive games prior to Sunday and Monday’s off-day. “I think it was probably beneficial, especially because he’d played five in a row there with some day games after night games,” Boone said.
Yankees starter Luis Gil delivered 6 1/3 scoreless innings despite colder temperatures affecting his pitch velocity. Gil allowed only two hits and struck out two batters while issuing three walks during his third start of the season at Fenway Park. “Definitely a good outing,” Gil said through interpreter Marlon Abreu. “I was able to give my team a good outing. I think the key tonight was just mixing pitches very well.”
The Yankees have now won six of their last eight games and recorded back-to-back shutouts for only the second time this season.
