Yankees Fall Short in Ninth-Inning Rally Against Athletics
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Yankees came close to an incredible comeback on Saturday night but ultimately lost 6-4 to the Athletics at Sutter Health Park.
Entering the ninth inning down 6-1, American relief pitcher Jack Perkins struck out Paul Goldschmidt. After that, Ryan McMahon hit a single, JC Escala walked, and Anthony Volpe struck out.
During what would be the game’s final 28 pitches, the Yankees swung at the ball only twice, which surprisingly seemed to work well against the erratic A’s bullpen.
Perkins walked Trent Grisham to load the bases, and then Scott Barlow walked Ben Rice, Aaron Judge, and Cody Bellinger, each on full counts, allowing three runs to score. Judge, interestingly enough, only took a swing once—showing some aggression against a curveball.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. then grounded out to Barlow on a 2-2 count, preventing the tying run from reaching second base.
Manager Aaron Boone commented, “He had a shot with a great at-bat.” He added, “It’s about patient, quality at-bats and getting the right pitches to not just tie but win the game.”
Overall, the Yankees managed six base hits compared to the nine they had in the previous eight innings.
McMahon expressed confidence despite the outcome, saying, “We thought we could do it. It didn’t turn out our way, but putting pressure on them like that leaves a mark.”
The Yankees had a quick game that night and are expected to play again on Sunday. Amed Rosario had just been placed on the paternity list before the game.
Rosario dashed off in regular clothes a few hours ahead of the first pitch to welcome his child, and bringing in a replacement from across the country for just one game didn’t seem practical.
Players on the paternity list can remain there for up to three days, so Rosario might be back just in time for the homestand against the Guardians on Tuesday.
After a rough 0-for-24 stretch earlier this month, McMahon entered Saturday’s game batting .310 over his last eight games, with an OPS of .965.
“I’m just trying to stay confident,” McMahon remarked. “This game is tough. I need to put in the work every day to help the team.”
Grisham, too, showcased good performance with two walks and getting on base multiple times in several recent games, achieving an on-base percentage of .329—the highest since April 13th.
In another development, Luis Severino was placed on the 15-day injured list on Saturday due to a right shoulder strain after exiting Friday’s game against his former team before the second inning.
