How ex-Yankees arm turns history around against former team

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NEW YORK — The silence at Yankee Stadium told the story. JP Sears, once a promising Yankees prospect, dominated his former club Saturday in a performance that highlighted everything wrong with New York’s struggling offense.

Sears was historically bad against the Yankees. However, hi 2025 season has turned it around.

The left-hander blanked the Yankees for 5 2/3 innings in Athletics commanding 7-0 victory. Sears allowed just two hits while striking out four batters, a dramatic turnaround from his recent struggles that included an 8.75 ERA over his previous eight outings.

“It was fun to be out there because Yankee Stadium has a lot of good fans and vibes,” Sears said. “Any time you have a good outing against a good team, obviously, it’s fun.”

Strategic adjustments pay off for Sears

Sears credited mechanical refinements from a recent bullpen session for his resurgence. His improved control enabled him to challenge Yankees hitters with a crisp fastball and devastating sweeper that generated nine whiffs.

The game’s turning point came in the third inning. With two runners aboard via walks, Sears faced Aaron Judge with a potential tying run in scoring position. A strategic mound conference with Athletics pitching coach Scott Emerson proved decisive. Judge’s subsequent flyout to right field snuffed out New York’s most dangerous rally.

“Judge still put a decent swing on it. I just know the type of hitter he is,” Sears said. “I was trying to attack him and be a little smart.”

Sears cruised from that moment forward. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay praised his starter’s bounce-back effort: “This was a big start for JP to bounce back. Hopefully, he will get some momentum going.”

The victory marked Sears’ first win since June 6. It carried special significance against the organization that traded him to Oakland in 2022 as part of the Frankie Montas deal.

Yankees offense sputters again

New York’s offensive struggles reached new depths with the shutout loss. The Yankees managed only three singles against Athletics pitching staff despite facing a club with the second-highest team ERA (5.42) and opposing batting average (.267) in baseball.

The Yankees went hitless in five at-bats with runners in scoring position. They stranded six baserunners in a frustrating display of missed opportunities.

Manager Aaron Boone addressed the team’s recent futility: “Last two days, been shut down a little bit more than we’d like… It always comes down to getting a big hit with runners out there.”

The concern extends beyond one game. Over their last two contests, the Yankees have scored just three total runs. That’s a troubling statistic for a lineup once considered baseball’s most complete.

DJ LeMahieu captured the team’s collective frustration: “Just haven’t gotten hot at the same time… collectively, I don’t think it’s enough.”

Star players struggle at crucial time

Aaron Judge’s difficulties deepened on Saturday. The Yankees captain is batting just .182 over his last 15 games with 24 strikeouts. He left three runners stranded, including a 406-foot flyout that would have cleared most ballparks.

Boone defended his superstar’s approach: “We’re doing an okay job of creating some traffic… but I feel like, over the last week, 10 days, we’ve had our opportunities. We got to cash them in.”

Paul Goldschmidt faces similar struggles. After strong April and May performances, the veteran first baseman is hitting .198 over his last 30 games.

“So, again, that’s part of the game and working to see if there’s… adjustments to be made,” Goldschmidt said. “But that’s hurt our team, the way I’ve played this month.”

With the trade deadline approaching, New York’s offensive inconsistencies grow more concerning. The timing couldn’t be worse with their best hitters slumping simultaneously.

Athletics make statement in Bronx

Sears didn’t just defeat his former team. He rewrote their evaluation of his abilities. In two starts against New York this season, the left-hander has surrendered one earned run across 10.2 innings.

His command, poise, and pitch sequencing baffled both left-handed and right-handed Yankees batters. The performance served as a reminder that departed players sometimes return more polished and dangerous.

“Every win in the big leagues is big,” Sears said. “It’s always fun to face your friends.”

The Yankees enter Sunday’s series finale with a 12-14 June record. They remain in playoff contention but face mounting questions about their offensive construction.

Sunday’s rubber match against Athletics offers a chance for redemption. Another poor showing would darken the narrative as this homestand concludes.

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