Inside The Pinstripes

WATCH: Josh Donaldson Crushes First Home Run With Yankees

Donaldson's two-run homer came moments after a 49-minute rain delay in Baltimore, the second weather delay of the game.

Max Goodman

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BALTIMORE — Somebody forgot to tell Josh Donaldson that the rain delay in Baltimore had come to a close.

The slugger, otherwise known as the Bringer of Rain, clobbered his first home run with the Yankees moments after play resumed in the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday night.

Donaldson's blast traveled 403 feet to center field, leaving his bat at 108.5 mph. He knew it was gone as soon as it cracked off his lumber, dropping his bat in style.

New York's offense had been dormant through the first four innings on Saturday night. A trend through the first week of the regular season, the Yankees were hitless in six at-bats with runners in scoring position prior to the 49-minute delay.

As soon as play resumed, however, New York was able to pour it on.

Aaron Judge started things off against Orioles right-hander Travis Lakins Sr. with a walk, setting up an Anthony Rizzo RBI single, driving home Aaron Hicks from second base. 

Moments later, Giancarlo Stanton obliterated a cutter up in the zone, sending a 114.7-mph double into the gap in left. Judge scored with ease and Rizzo was initially ruled safe at home plate—replay review changed the call, knotting the score at 2-2.

Two pitches later, Donaldson went yard, giving New York a 4-2 lead.

The home run for Donaldson is the 252nd of his illustrious career and his first in a Yankees uniform. He hit three home runs during Grapefruit League play in spring training.

Entering play on Saturday night, Donaldson was hitting .188/.235/.219 (6-for-32) with three runs scored, two walks and 13 strikeouts over eight games. 

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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