The Yankees got off on the right foot Saturday. Estevan Florial’s two-run single in the first inning set the tone for the Bombers’ 6-3 victory over the Pirates.
Florial is getting his long-awaited chance to make an impact for the Yanks after grinding through Triple-A for the majority of this season. The 25-year-old is 4-for-22 during his short stint thus far after putting up stellar numbers for Scranton-Wilkes Barre.
The outfielder’s .985 OPS in 101 Triple-A games earned him a promotion after Jasson Dominguez’s season-ending injury (torn UCL).
Giancarlo Stanton blasted a solo homer in the top of the third giving the Yankees all they would need on offense for a victory as they took a 4-2 lead. The veteran launched his 24th homer of what has been a struggle this season. The 34-year-old is slashing .195/.282/.437
The Yanks called upon a new face to take the ball against the Pirates Saturday night. Luke Weaver, who was claimed off of waivers on Sept. 12, made his debut in pinstripes and kept the Yanks within striking distance.
The right-hander tossed four innings allowing just three runs on four hits while striking out seven. Weaver has struggled mightily this season posting a 6.77 ERA in 26 games with the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners.
Jhony Brito took on the bulk of the innings after Weaver exited. Brito tossed three perfect innings registering three strikeouts before handing the ball off to Ian Hamilton. After Oswaldo Cabrera launched a solo insurance homer, Hamilton threw a scoreless eighth then Clay Holmes hurled a shut down the Pirates in the ninth to secure the victory.
Aaron Boone will turn to Carlos Rodon to secure the series sweep on Sunday afternoon. The Pirates have not announced a starter.