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Big Maple dominates Red Sox

Ladner’s James Paxton pitches eight shut-out innings against defending World Series champs
Paxton
Ladner's James Paxton pitched eight dominate innings Tuesday night as the New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 8-0.

The Big Maple was ‘Big League’ Tuesday night in the Big Apple.

The Ladner lefty pitched eight dominate innings as the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 8-0.

In the first meeting of the season of the AL East rivals, Paxton allowed only two hits while walking one and striking out 12 on 110 pitches.

With the win he improved to 2-2 on the season, his first in Yankee pinstripes.

“It's a big deal because it's against Boston, especially being here,” Paxton told MLB.com in a post-game interview. “We want to beat Boston every time. It's a big rivalry. It was a big start for me, just to get my feet under me and show myself that I can be here and do this.”

Paxton became the first Yankees pitcher to strike out 12 or more while only allowing two or fewer hits to the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. He also became the first Yankees pitcher to get at least 12 strikeouts in a game since Mike Mussina in 2001.

“I felt like I was searching before this,” Paxton said. “I feel like I really found something tonight. Romine [Austin] did a fantastic job behind the plate calling the pitches. We worked really well together and the boys made nice plays behind me, too.”

Paxton was solid from start to finish and was only in trouble one inning – the fourth.

With the Yankees up 2-0, Mookie Betts walked to start the inning and Xander Bogaerts laced a double into right field putting two runners in scoring position, but Paxton induced a pair of lazy fly ball outs then struck-out Mitch Moreland to end the inning.

“It was special,” Paxton said. “I think it's a little different than anywhere else, being in Yankee Stadium and getting that ovation. The fans were great all night. You could hear them and they added a lot of energy. It was awesome.”