‘Just frustrating’ for Rodon but 102-year historic upheaval for Yankees

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Carlos Rodon’s failure put the Yankees in a historic series loss, shattering their 102-year-old record against the Giants and handing the first series loss to the San Francisco team in New York since 1923.

The San Francisco Giants etched their name in baseball’s history books Sunday, securing a series win at Yankee Stadium for the first time. The discredit for this largely goes to Yankees starter Carlos Rodon, who endured another disappointing outing.

In a matchup steeped in baseball tradition, San Francisco accomplished something that had eluded the franchise throughout its storied existence. By taking two of three games in the Bronx, the Giants finally conquered a venue that had proven impenetrable during regular-season series play across all incarnations of the legendary stadium.

“It’s pretty remarkable,” reflected Giants skipper Bob Melvin, who briefly wore pinstripes during his playing career. “It’s the New York Yankees and it was a good test for us.”

Lee’s power display fuels Giants

South Korean sensation Jung Hoo Lee starred for San Francisco, crushing two home runs against Rodón despite challenging weather conditions. Lee’s power surge—totaling three homers during the weekend series—continues to validate the Giants’ international investment.

“I want to put a lot of meaning in that as a team,” Lee said through his interpreter following the game. “We came over and then had a good series.”

His approach has drawn praise from teammates, including ace Logan Webb, who battled through early trouble to deliver a stabilizing performance. “I’m a little biased,” Webb admitted, “but I think he’s one of the best at putting the ball in play.”

The victory improved San Francisco’s record to an impressive 11-4, marking their strongest 15-game start since 2003 when they opened with a 13-2 record.

Rodon’s struggles deepen

For Rodón, Sunday represented another setback in what has become a troubling pattern. The left-hander, who inked a six-year, $162 million deal before the 2023 campaign, surrendered five runs on six hits in just four innings. His ERA now stands at a concerning 6.38 through four starts this season.

“It’s just frustrating,” Rodon acknowledged afterward. His slider lacked its typical movement, and fastball command issues persisted throughout the outing—problems reminiscent of his injury-plagued 2023 and inconsistent 2024 performances.

Rodón’s inability to maintain leads is particularly problematic for a Yankees rotation that is already missing their ace, Gerrit Cole. While Marcus Stroman now in IL and younger arms like Will Warren have shown promise, the team expected Rodón to provide stability near the top of the rotation.

Yankees vs. Giant rivalry reimagined

The Giants-Yankees relationship spans decades of baseball lore—from sharing the Polo Grounds to memorable World Series clashes. Sunday’s outcome represents a meaningful shift in a matchup where San Francisco had historically struggled on New York’s home turf.

The Bombers stepped up to snatch the series in 1951 and even in 1962. It was repeated in 2002, featuring Barry Bonds’ famous upper-deck home run. The Bronx sequel in 2013 and 2016 ended in disappointment for San Francisco, with twice shutout each time. Every time they scored big, the Yankees topped them in the Bronx.

The Giants never found a way to beat the Yankees in New York since 2-1 series win in 1923.

The rivalry’s most iconic moment remains the 1962 World Series when the Yankees claimed a seven-game victory sealed by Willie McCovey’s line drive into Bobby Richardson’s glove. Even Lou Gehrig‘s legendary 1939 farewell address referenced the Giants, underscoring the deep connection between the franchises.

While those moments remain embedded in baseball history, Sunday’s result will be remembered as San Francisco’s breakthrough after decades of frustration in the Bronx.

San Francisco’s complete performance

Under gray skies and intermittent rain, the Giants mounted a decisive five-run fifth inning and relied on excellent relief pitching to secure the win. The performance showcased the team’s resilience and execution.

“To come back and win a game like that and then hold on at the end, which can be difficult to do, it’s pretty rewarding,” Melvin said. “It says a lot about our team to this point.”

The Giants, projected as playoff contenders entering 2025, are displaying enviable depth, from Lee’s offensive emergence to a bullpen that consistently delivers under pressure.

Yankees face growing questions

For New York, now 8-7, the loss amplifies existing concerns. Despite occasional brilliance from their star-studded lineup featuring Aaron Judge, Anthony Volpe, and Jazz Chisholm Jr., the rotation’s instability—particularly Rodon’s struggles—presents a significant challenge. Manager Aaron Boone’s bullpen management has also drawn scrutiny amid the pitching staff’s limitations.

With demanding matchups against the Rays and Astros approaching later this month, the pressure on Rodón to rediscover his form intensifies. The restless reaction from Sunday’s home crowd signals mounting frustration that will likely grow unless results improve soon.

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