Jasson Dominguez put on a show in West Sacramento Friday night, blasting three home runs and driving in seven runs to lead the New York Yankees (22-16) to a 10-2 rout of the Athletics (20-19). This remarkable performance not only showcased Dominguez's immense talent but also marked a historic moment in Yankees history.
At just 22 years and 91 days old, Dominguez became the youngest player in the storied history of the Yankees to hit three home runs in a single game, surpassing the legendary Joe DiMaggio's previous record set in 1937 by 109 days. "Tonight was special," Dominguez said after the game. "When I hit the third one, I was telling myself ‘No way. There’s no way.’”
The game unfolded in front of a lively crowd of 12,049 at Sutter Health Park, where Dominguez began his night with a solo shot in the third inning against A's starter Osvaldo Bido. This was just the beginning of what would become an unforgettable evening for the young star.
Dominguez's first homer came as he turned on a changeup and sent it soaring into the bullpen in right-center. Shortly after, veteran Paul Goldschmidt added to the excitement by hitting a solo homer of his own, making it back-to-back dingers for the Yankees. Dominguez then scored another run in the fifth inning with a sacrifice fly, showcasing his ability to contribute to the team's offense in multiple ways.
In the seventh inning, Dominguez struck again, this time crushing a hanging curveball from Hogan Harris for a 431-foot blast, marking his first career home run from the right side of the plate. Then, in the eighth inning, with the bases loaded and the Yankees leading 6-0, he capped off his night with a grand slam against Elvis Alvarado. The grand slam was a 387-foot shot that solidified his status as the standout player of the game.
Teammate Aaron Judge, who has also had his share of impressive performances, praised Dominguez, saying, "That was incredible. Just even going back to spring training, the guy goes out there wins a job. The work I saw him put in on the back field when no one was really looking on the defensive side, the work in the cage. To see him have a game like this tonight, three homers, is pretty special.”
Dominguez's incredible night also came on the heels of a much-needed victory for the Yankees, who were looking to bounce back after a three-game losing streak. The win marked the start of a six-game road trip for the Yankees, and they were eager to build momentum. The victory was also significant for pitcher Will Warren, who delivered the best start of his young career, going 7 1/3 innings, allowing just one run, and striking out seven batters. His performance lowered his ERA from 5.65 to 4.75, providing a much-needed boost to the Yankees' pitching staff.
Warren's ability to keep the Athletics off-balance throughout the game was commendable, as he showcased a variety of pitches that kept the opposing hitters guessing. He allowed just four hits and walked one, demonstrating control and poise that had been missing in previous outings. "It’s always been there. Hopefully he had the spark tonight and continues with that," said Warren, reflecting on Dominguez's breakout performance.
As the game progressed, the Yankees' offense continued to find their rhythm, despite some early missed opportunities with runners in scoring position. They managed to score ten runs, with multiple-hit efforts from Goldschmidt, Ben Rice, J.C. Escarra, and Jorbit Vivas. The Yankees went 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position, indicating that there was still room for improvement.
Dominguez's performance not only highlighted his potential but also raised questions about his role in a crowded Yankees outfield. With several talented players vying for playing time, including Cody Bellinger, Dominguez's three-homer game made it clear that he is a player who deserves to be in the lineup. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate—becoming the first Yankee since Neil Walker in 2018 to achieve this feat in a single game—only adds to his value as a player.
Looking ahead, the Yankees will aim to secure a series win against the Athletics on Saturday afternoon, with Carlos Rodón set to take the mound against JP Sears. The excitement surrounding Dominguez's historic night has reinvigorated the Yankees' fanbase, and as they continue their road trip, the team hopes to build on this momentum.
In a season that has seen its share of ups and downs, Jasson Dominguez's breakout performance serves as a reminder of the bright future ahead for the New York Yankees. With his remarkable talent and determination, he has already begun to carve out his place in the franchise's rich history, and fans can only imagine what the future holds for this young star.
