Jordan Montgomery picks up a ‘really meaningful’ win

Jordan Montg⛎omery gave the Yankees ꧙exactly what they wanted — and the rookie got exactly what he needed.

For the first time in nearly a month, Montgomery lasted long൲ enough to earn a win, and claimed his first victory since July 25 after pitching six shutout innings in the Yankees’ 9-3 win over the Orio☂les on Saturday in The Bronx.

In just his second start of the season without allowing a run, Montgomery (8-7) gave up just four hits and one walk, while striking out six,🍰 throwing 95 pitches (64 strikes) to lower his season ERA to 🐻4.06. In Montgomery’s previous three outings, he had thrown a total of 12 innings.

“Iജ think this was important for him,” manager Joe Girardi said of Montgomery. “Part of it is us backing him off a little bit because we were somewhat concerned [with his innings] and he has never really pitched the whole month of September in his career so we were a little bit concerned, but I think it was really meaningful.”

After going a career-worst seꦆven straight starts without a win, Montgomery was in control from the start, retiring Baltimore’s first four batters. The 24-year-old never allowed more than one runner to reach base in a single inning, with Joey R🍷ickard being the only Oriole to reach scoring position after stealing second in the third inning.

Montgomery has now gone five straight home starts without giving up a home run, after allowing a homer in seven ꦉof his first eight career outings at Yankee Stadium.

“His slider was really, really good, and I think it kept them off balance,” Girardi said. “I thought he used all his pitches.” I thought he used his fastball effectiܫvely, too. I think [it was] a good game plan and they executed extremely well.

“I think he’s adjusted prettജy well. This is a very dangerous lineup, a number of guys hit the ball out of the ballpark. His learning curve has been pretty good.”

Though the Orioles were familiar with the lefty — facing him for the fifth time this season — Montgomery still routin🐲ely fooled hitters with his off-speed stuff. His six strikeouts were the most he recorded since Aug. 5.

“It was nice to really control the ܫtempo today, and attack hitters,” Montgomery said. “Every guy saw something different every at-bat.”