YANK GAMEDAY

GAME 89: July 9, 2018 Where: Baltimore

BALTIMORE – As the Manny Machado rumors came back to life, so too did Didi Gregorius’ bat.

Gregorius got his team started with a first-inning RBI double, and went 2-for-4 as the Yankees split Monday’s doubleheader at Camden Yards with a 10-2 victory over the Orioles in Game 2.

The Bombers shortstop kicked off the 2018 campaign with 10 homers, 30 RBI and a 1.286 OPS in his first 25 games. But he had five homers, 16 RBI and a .567 OPS in his previous 57 games going into Monday’s twin-bill. Gregorius went 1-for-4 in Game 1. The Yankees kept Machado quiet at the plate, but the rumors about where he’ll end up were being heard loud and clear, even during the game.

Previously thought to be out of the running, the Yankees are now showing increased interest in pursuing a deal for the Orioles slugger, the Daily News confirmed. However, recent calls are simply GM Brian Cashman doing his due diligence and “there’s nothing there,” according to a source.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal first reported the news of the Yankees’ renewed interest in Machado.

Despite giving up several hard-hit balls, spot starter Luis Cessa was the beneficiary of some solid defense behind him and went on to produce six shutout innings. Cessa allowed three hits, walked three and struck out four.

Brett Gardner hit a two-run homer with two outs in the fourth.

PLAY OF THE GAME

In the third, Giancarlo Stanton drilled a ball up the middle that ricocheted off second and right to Machado, who fired to first but couldn’t get Stanton.

TURNING POINT

After Neil Walker reached on a bunt single in the fourth, Gardner hammered a two-run shot to right to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead.

STAR OF THE GAME

Gardner went 4-for-6 with a homer and three RBI.

NEXT GAME

YANKEES AT ORIOLES Tonight, 7:05, TV: YES Masahiro Tanaka (7-2, 4.58) vs. Andrew Cashner (2-9, 4.39)