Just when it looked like the Yankees had batted in Milwaukee, they came back to life Friday by scoring two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Tigers 2-1 in the Bronx.
The Yankees, after a mostly silent series in Baltimore, scoring just six points in four games, were then completely shut out in the eighth inning, so the rally came out of nowhere.
The Yankees were particularly quiet on Friday, allowing only two singles through the ninth inning.
Aaron Judge led off with a single to center field against Jason Foley, and Alex Verdugo followed with a bunt hit down the third base line.
Giancarlo Stanton, who had struck out in the first three innings, hit a double over right field, hitting Judge and tying the game at 1-1.
Next, Anthony Rizzo got the win with an infield hit, and the Yankees avoided their fourth loss in five games.
The Yankees, who scored 15 points in back-to-back games against the Brewers last week, finally struck at the last minute.
It helped the Yankees capitalize on a strong night from their pitching staff.
Marcus Stroman got off to a rough start against the Brewers, allowing just one run in 5 1/3 innings despite some command issues.
The only run he allowed was a bases-loaded walk to Colt Keith in the sixth inning.
Detroit right-hander Reese Olson had an impressive performance against the Yankees, holding two earned runs or less in all but one game in his first start since Friday.
He held the Yankees scoreless for five innings, at one point holding the Yankees to nine consecutive innings, and in the fifth inning, Austin Wells drew a two-out walk.
Detroit’s bullpen held off the Yankees until the ninth inning.
Detroit had runners in scoring position through the first three innings, but could not score.
Stroman, on the other hand, allowed only two singles and two walks until Riley Green led off the sixth with a base hit to right-center field.
Pitching coach Matt Blake came to the mound after Wencel Perez walked with one out.
Stroman then walked Kelly Carpenter to load the bases for Keith.
After being led 0-2 by Keith, Stroman walked the falling second baseman to force in the game’s first score, ending Stroman’s night.
The walk to Keith was Stroman’s fifth of the game, tying his season-high set in the previous game, when he started just four innings.
With the bases still loaded, Ian Hamilton entered the game and struck out Spencer Torkelson, then grounded out Zach McKinstry to keep the lead to one point.
Olson left the game without giving up a run in the fifth inning and was replaced by Alex Faedo.
The right-handers encouraged the fans in that order: Anthony Volpe, Juan Soto, and Judge.
Detroit loaded the bases again in the seventh inning, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, until left-hander Victor Gonzalez hit pinch hitter Matt Vierling for a forceout, ending the threat.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Verdugo started with a walk and Rizzo walked with one out.
Gleyber Torres, once again dropped to No. 7 in the lineup, was deflected into an inning-ending double play.
This was the Yankees’ 40th double play on a grounder this season, the most in the majors.
