New York Yankees 4-7 Texas Rangers
Wyatt Langford’s grand slam off Clay Holmes in the bottom of the ninth dealt the Yankees a devastating 7-4 loss to the Texas Rangers. Langford’s walk-off homer, the first ever by a Rangers rookie, also marked Holmes’ major league-high 11th blown save in 40 chances. The Rangers rallied impressively, overturning a 4-1 Yankees lead in the eighth inning to secure the win.
Yankees Slip Behind Baltimore in AL East
The Yankees endured a crushing defeat against the Texas Rangers, slipping half a game behind Baltimore for the AL East lead and the best record in the American League. Wyatt Langford’s walk-off grand slam in the ninth inning sealed the Yankees’ fate.
The Rangers’ rally began with Carson Kelly’s single, followed by walks to Josh Smith and Marcus Semien, loading the bases. Clay Holmes struggled with control, throwing only 12 strikes in 25 pitches. Langford then took advantage, blasting a full-count slider 407 feet to left field for his 10th home run of the season.
With the loss, the Yankees relinquished the division lead back to Baltimore. The Rangers celebrated their third straight walk-off win at home, following similar dramatic victories against Oakland.
Rookie left-hander Walter Pennington, the sixth Texas pitcher of the game, recorded the final out of the ninth inning to earn his first major league win.
Rodón Dominates as Yankees Hold Off Rangers Rally
Carlos Rodón delivered a stellar performance against the Texas Rangers, striking out a season-high 11 batters and surrendering just one hit over six innings. The only mark against Rodón’s outing was Josh Jung’s solo home run to lead off the fourth inning.
The Yankees surged ahead in the seventh inning when Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe started with back-to-back singles. A balk by José Leclerc moved both runners into scoring position, setting up José Trevino’s RBI groundout and Alex Verdugo‘s clutch line-drive single over the infield.
Volpe extended the Yankees’ lead with a two-run single in the eighth, although a miscommunication between Chisholm and third base coach Luis Rojas prevented Chisholm from scoring from first. Chisholm, who notched his fourth consecutive multihit game, pointed to his eyes in acknowledgment of the mistake.
The Rangers attempted a late comeback in the eighth, with Jung’s RBI single and Nathaniel Lowe’s sacrifice fly trimming the Yankees’ lead to one.
Texas starter Andrew Heaney pitched well, striking out eight without issuing a walk and allowing just one run through six innings. Despite his 13 losses, Heaney has been sharp in his last three starts, posting a 0.60 ERA over 15 innings without a decision.
The Yankees Roster
Up Next
The Yankees will close out the series on Wednesday night with an exciting pitching duel. Marcus Stroman (10-6, 3.81 ERA) is set to take the mound for New York, going up against Nathan Eovaldi (10-7, 3.60 ERA) of the Texas Rangers. Both pitchers have notched 10 wins this season, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup between these talented right-handers.
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