For the first time since 2024, the New York Yankees won all four games of a four-game series, this time sweeping the Baltimore Orioles at home. Despite the series victory, the Yankees’ lead in the American League East sits at 1 ½ games due to the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays. These are the major takeaways from the Yankees’ third series sweep of the year.
Late Inning Offense
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The Yankees filled the scoreboard with crooked numbers against the Orioles, but over half of the team’s offense came down the stretch. Of the Yankees’ 39 runs, 20 of them came in the seventh and eighth innings. This included a seven-run eighth inning in game three, followed by a six-run eighth inning in game four. This late-inning offense helped the Yankees pull away in the final innings and take pressure off the bullpen.
Improved Bullpen Performances
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Speaking of the bullpen, the Yankees’ relief corps was dominant this past weekend. For the series, the Yankees’ bullpen pitched 13 2/3 innings, allowing one lone run. They started the four-game set off strong, allowing no hits after taking the ball from Will Warren in the seventh inning. The group finished the series just as strong, shutting out the Orioles in the final 3 1/3 innings of the series finale.
In total, the bullpen struck out 13 batters while walking four. These performances dropped the bullpen’s ERA to 3.12 on the year, the third lowest in the American League behind the Seattle Mariners (3.12) and Texas Rangers (2.75).
The Martian Has Landed
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The lead-up to the 2026 season was not kind to Jasson Dominguez. After flashing switch-hitting potential in 2025, including a three-home-run game against the Athletics, Dominguez watched the Yankees keep Randal Grichuk on the roster instead of him. As a result, Dominguez began the season in Triple-A and hit .326 in 92 at-bats. However, when Giancarlo Stanton suffered an injury, Dominguez finally got his shot.
Against the Orioles, Dominguez proved his worth. In three games, he collected five hits, including at least one in each game. He also drove in four total runs, one being his first home run of the year.
Most importantly, Dominguez stayed hot against lefties, raising his batting average to .500 against southpaws. Last season, he hit .204 against such pitchers.
Next Up
The Yankees will stay in the Bronx for a three-game series with the Rangers on Tuesday. Elmer Rodriguez is set to make his Yankee Stadium debut on the mound, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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