The Braves and Yankees squared off on Monday, which represented one of the rarest matchups in baseball history. Each team entered play with a nine-game win streak, which was the first such matchup since 1901. Unfortunately for Atlanta, all the batted ball fortune favored the Yankees in this particular game as they earned a 5-1 victory to extend their winning streak to ten games.
Huascar Ynoa drew the assignment for the Braves, facing a tough New York lineup that features prodigious power throughout. The right-hander found some trouble, but was mostly impressive in just his second outing since returning from a lengthy IL stint. Ynoa worked six innings, allowing three runs on four hits with nine strikeouts. The primary issue for the 23-year-old was simple: Giancarlo Stanton. The mammoth Yankees slugger made his triumphant return to Truist Park, where he enjoyed immense success as a member of the Marlins, and picked up three RBIs against Ynoa. The first came on a homer to right field in the second inning that put New York ahead 1-0. The other two came on a 119 MPH double that brought home two more and put the Yankees up 3-1 in the sixth inning.
The lone Braves run came courtesy of a second inning blast from Dansby Swanson, which tied the game at 1-1. This gave Swanson his 25th homer of the season, which extends his lead for Braves shortstops in a single season. The 27-year-old just continues to build upon what has already been an outstanding campaign. His emergence has added vital depth to a lineup that has been red-hot since the All-Star break.
Unfortunately for Atlanta, they could not capitalize on any of their limited scoring opportunities aside from the Swanson homer. They managed just five hits, but were 0-for-4 with RISP and left seven runners on-base as a team. The offense simply could not break through in support of Ynoa and it cost them a big game against a very formidable opponent. The Yankees cashed in their scoring chances late and that pushed them to victory.
The Braves will look to regain their footing tomorrow night in what should be another solid matchup for their offense. The results of a matchup with Jordan Montgomery were less than satisfying but Andrew Heaney may be more accommodating. The streak is over, but the Braves are still playing great baseball of late. They will look to bounce back and continue their ascent toward another playoff appearance.