New York Yankees 2-3 Cincinnati Reds
NEW YORK — Reds starter Andrew Abbott was dominant over six innings, giving up just two hits and keeping the Yankees scoreless. In the seventh, reliever Fernando Cruz entered with the bases loaded and delivered under pressure, inducing Aaron Judge to ground into a double play that ended a potential rally. This crucial play helped Cincinnati secure a 3-2 victory over the struggling New York team.
Fueled by home runs from Noelvi Marte and Stuart Fairchild, the Reds defeated Carlos Rodón (9-6), extending his losing streak to four games. This victory marks back-to-back one-run wins at Yankee Stadium, securing their first series win since early June (June 6-9). Before this hot streak, Cincinnati had struggled through their previous six series, managing only a split record (2 wins, 4 losses) with one tie.
Yankees Fall Short Despite Volpe’s Spark
Anthony Volpe snapped an 0-for-18 slump in the seventh inning with a two-run double off reliever Fernando Cruz, sparking hope in the stadium as the Yankees pulled within one run with runners on the corners. However, the momentum shifted after a visit from the pitching coach. Cruz, seemingly re-energized, induced a crucial around-the-horn double play from Aaron Judge, shutting down the rally. Cruz’s celebration mirrored the Yankees’ dwindling chances.
Despite Judge leading the league in major offensive categories, his bat was silent this time. New York’s struggles continued as Justin Wilson shut the door in the eighth, and Alexis Díaz secured his 19th save with a ninth-inning double play.
This loss extends the Yankees’ woes, as they’ve dropped 12 of their last 16 games and haven’t won a series in six attempts (0-5-1 record). Meanwhile, Reds starter Andrew Abbott continued his dominance, allowing only one run in over six innings to earn his fifth win in the last six starts.
Frustration Mounts for Yankees as Rodón Falters
Despite some promising signs, the Yankees‘ bats were silenced by a stingy Reds pitching staff. Tyler Stephenson’s second-inning single put a runner on base, but Noelvi Marte provided the only real fireworks for the visitors. Struggling to break out of his own slump, Marte launched a first-pitch homer over the left-field wall, his first of the season. This marked a turning point for the young third baseman, who recently returned from an 80-game suspension.
While Marte found his power stroke, Stuart Fairchild also contributed offensively. Though his flyout to open the fifth inning lacked the desired contact, he managed to muscle it 362 feet for a solo homer. These were the only blemishes on an otherwise dominant outing for Yankees starter Carlos Rodón. Despite a rough patch in his last few starts, Rodón displayed flashes of his All-Star caliber with eight strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. However, it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Rodón’s frustration was palpable as he left the mound after 95 pitches. The usually boisterous crowd offered only muted applause on Fireworks Night. The southpaw, carrying a hefty $162 million contract, now finds himself winless in his last four starts, his ERA ballooning to 10.89. This is a stark contrast to his previous hot streak, where he went 7-0 with a stellar 2.28 ERA.
The Yankees Roster
Up Next
The New York Yankees will face a familiar foe on the mound Thursday afternoon as they take on the Cincinnati Reds in the series finale. Reds right-hander Frankie Montas (3-6, 4.23 ERA) will be pitching for the opposing team. Despite Montas’ recent struggles, going 1-6 in his last 13 starts, some believe he hasn’t received the offensive support he deserves.
Looking to snap their recent skid, the Yankees will counter with their own right-hander, Marcus Stroman (7-3, 3.29 ERA). Stroman has been a bright spot for New York this season, and they’ll hope he can silence the Reds’ bats and secure a much-needed win.
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