'Martian' loses helmet (and contacts?!) on game-winning hit

NEW YORK -- The improvements in Jasson Domínguez’s defensive game have been noticeable to uniformed personnel and observers alike, with “The Martian” showcasing better reactions and more efficient routes in recent games. He’s making his presence felt at the plate, too.

Domínguez collected three hits on Tuesday evening, including a go-ahead, three-run double, helping lead the Yankees to a 4-2 victory over the Royals at Yankee Stadium.

“Everybody wants to have a three-RBI game and three hits,” Domínguez said. “It feels really nice. Yesterday I had a big game in my defense; I felt that confidence, for sure.”

In Monday’s series opener, Domínguez made a couple of sparkling plays in left field that stole extra bases from Kansas City batters. One night later, the 22-year-old was a consistent thorn in their hurlers’ sides.

“I’m really proud of him and really excited for him,” said shortstop Anthony Volpe, “and excited for the team, because he brings a lot to the table. When he does stuff like that, it’s going to be hard for us to lose games.”

Added left-hander Max Fried, who improved to 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA: “He’s extremely talented. He’s young, but he works really hard to be able to be in this situation and take advantage of this opportunity. He’s made some really nice plays in the outfield learning a new position, and then he’s also taking really good quality at-bats.”

Wearing No. 42 along with all other players as Major League Baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson Day, Domínguez singled in the second and fifth innings off Michael Wacha.

His most important at-bat came in the sixth following a bases-loaded walk to Austin Wells, which cut New York’s deficit to one run.

Facing left-hander Angel Zerpa and down in the count 1-2, Domínguez stroked a line drive over third baseman Cavan Biggio that cleared the bags. The switch-hitting Domínguez had been 1-for-20 (.050) from the right side entering that at-bat.

“I’ve been having a little bit of struggle from the right side, but lately I feel like I’ve made some adjustments,” Domínguez said. “I’m getting more reps and being on time.”

Said Boone: “He never seems panicked or rushed. That’s one of the things you always like about him. You know the situation is not too big for him.”

On the swing, Domínguez’s backswing clipped his batting helmet, knocking it from his head -- and, as it turned out, also loosening his contact lenses.

Domínguez lost those somewhere between home plate and second base, prompting Boone to remove him from the game after the half-inning ended.

With Cody Bellinger moving to left field and Trent Grisham entering to play center field, the move paid immediate dividends, as the two-time Gold Glover Grisham tracked down a MJ Melendez drive at the wall.

“That’s got to be the best play of his career, just because of the circumstances, coming off the bench,” Volpe said. “That’s what he does. He brings so much to the table for us.”

Boone said he had not planned to remove Domínguez at that point, but the Yanks have been doing so regularly in the late innings.

Domínguez struggled defensively in a late-season cameo last year, which limited him to pinch-running duties in last year’s playoffs. Boone said he considers this season’s moves to be more a product of the club’s roster, and not an indictment of Domínguez’s talent.

“I have no issue with him being out there now,” Boone said. “It’s just on the days I’ve got Trent Grisham sitting over there with Belli, I’m going to take advantage of our roster and try to bring [Domínguez] along in the best way possible.”

Fried held the Royals to two runs and five hits over 6 2/3 innings, including Melendez’s third-inning homer. Through four starts, Volpe said he has found playing behind Fried to be “fun, but it’s sometimes boring.”

“He just executes,” Volpe said. “You see the swings, and those are really good hitters that he makes look really off balance.”

Luke Weaver recorded four outs in relief to set up for closer Devin Williams, who set Kansas City down in order in the ninth inning to notch his third save.

The Yankees have won 19 of their last 20 series against the Royals (including the postseason) since May 25, 2015, posting a 47-16 record over that span.

“I thought it was a really great team effort,” Fried said. “A really good win.”