The New York Yankees didn’t waste any time in the first-ever game played in the UK, taking a commanding lead in the top of the first inning.

Cheerio London! The New York Yankees showed up ready to play on the international stage. The Boston Red Sox, or at least Rick Porcello, did not.

As is tradition, New York’s big inning began with a DJ LeMahieu base hit. After Aaron Judge flew out to center field and Gary Sanchez worked a walk, the Yankees would put together four straight extra-base hits. The biggest blow came on an Aaron Hicks bomb to deep right field.

This probably isn’t the kind of game MLB was hoping for when they pegged Yankees-Red Sox for the London game. It’s the best rivalry in baseball (sorry, Dodgers-Giants). But right now, the Yankees are clicking on all cylinders and the Red Sox are failing to ward off their World Series hangover.

The Yankees turn to Masahiro Tanaka to keep the Red Sox at bay in London. The fiery competitor hasn’t had much time to enjoy London because he’s been so focused on his start. Prior to the game, he told YES Network’s Meredith Marakovitz that he’s only seen London through the bus window on his way to the park.

Despite Boston’s struggles this year, they still have a deep lineup that is poised to explode at any moment. Whether or not Tanaka can keep the Red Sox off balance with his splitter will be a major key to victory.


NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.