MINNEAPOLIS — In a game that epitomized the high-octane drama of late-season baseball, the New York Yankees narrowly escaped with a 10-9 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Target Field. The Yankees, who built a commanding nine-run lead early, nearly saw it evaporate as their bullpen faltered, but clutch performances from their offense and closer David Bednar, who surrendered a solo homer but got the save, kept New York two games ahead of Boston for the top American League wild-card spot and five games behind Toronto in the AL East race.
The Yankees wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping on Twins starter Zebby Matthews (4-6) for nine runs in just three innings. Every New York starter recorded at least one hit, showcasing the depth and potency of their lineup. The offensive onslaught began in the first inning, with Trent Grisham singling to right and Aaron Judge following with a single of his own. Cody Bellinger’s RBI single scored Grisham, and Giancarlo Stanton’s sacrifice fly brought Judge home, giving the Yankees a quick 2-0 lead.
The second inning saw the Yankees erupt for four more runs, highlighted by Grisham’s three-run homer—his career-high 31st of the season. Anthony Volpe, returning to the lineup after receiving a cortisone shot in his left shoulder, doubled to deep right, and Austin Wells followed with an RBI double to score Volpe. Grisham’s blast to right field scored Wells, and Stanton capped the inning with an RBI single, pushing the lead to 6-1.
The third inning brought more of the same. Ryan McMahon singled, and Volpe walked, setting the stage for Wells to drive in McMahon with a single. Grisham’s sacrifice fly scored Volpe, and Ben Rice’s double brought Wells home, extending the lead to 9-1. By the time Matthews exited after three innings, he had surrendered a career-high 11 hits and nine runs, tying his worst outing of the season.
The Twins, who fell to 66-85 with the loss, refused to go quietly. Rookie Cam Schlittler, making a spot start for the Yankees, struggled with command, issuing five walks and allowing four runs over 4 2/3 innings. Minnesota got on the board in the first when Trevor Larnach walked, advanced on a walk to Kody Clemens, and scored on Royce Lewis’s single.
The Twins’ offense awoke in the fifth, sparked by James Outman’s two-run homer off Schlittler, which scored Ryan Fitzgerald. Byron Buxton, who stole two bases in the game to maintain his perfect 24-for-24 stolen base record, walked and later scored on a wild pitch, cutting the deficit to 10-4. The sixth inning proved even more perilous for the Yankees, as Ryan Yarbrough, relieving Schlittler, surrendered four runs. Matt Wallner doubled, Michael Gasper singled to score Wallner, and Fitzgerald’s two-run homer brought the Twins within three at 10-7. Larnach’s sacrifice fly, caught by Judge just shy of the right-field wall, scored Buxton, making it 10-8.
Minnesota’s aggressive baserunning was a highlight, as they stole four bases in the game, reaching 100 stolen bases for the season for the first time since 2012. Buxton’s two steals and Larnach’s swipe underscored the Twins’ speed, which kept pressure on the Yankees’ defense throughout the night.
Bullpen Woes and a Nail-Biting Finish
The Yankees’ bullpen, which has posted a 5.49 ERA since the All-Star break, nearly unraveled the game. Among teams in playoff contention, the Yankees have the worst bullpen ERA at 4.61, allowing 494 hits, 273 earned runs, and a 1.34 WHIP, with 210 walks and 74 home runs surrendered. The Philadelphia Phillies rank a close second with a 4.33 ERA, 455 hits, 230 earned runs, and a 1.32 WHIP, though they’ve allowed fewer walks (166) and home runs (68). This vulnerability was evident as Ryan Yarbrough struggled, giving up four runs in just one-third of an inning. However, Mark Leiter Jr. (6-7) provided a crucial 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit to stabilize the game. Devin Williams followed with a perfect eighth, striking out two to preserve the 10-8 lead.
In the ninth, closer David Bednar took the mound, tasked with securing his 25th save in 28 chances. Larnach greeted him with a one-out solo homer, cutting the lead to 10-9 and sending a ripple of tension through the Yankees’ dugout. Despite the setback, Bednar bore down, inducing a groundout from Clemens and striking out Lewis to secure the save and the victory for New York.
Standout Performances
Grisham was the offensive star for the Yankees, finishing 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored, including his pivotal three-run homer. Volpe, despite a recent 2-for-21 slump, went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs, showing resilience after his shoulder treatment. Rice also shone, collecting three hits and an RBI, while Stanton drove in two runs with a sacrifice fly and a single.
For the Twins, Larnach led the way, going 1-for-2 with two RBIs, two runs, and a homer, while Fitzgerald’s 2-for-4 performance included a homer and two RBIs. Buxton’s speed and discipline at the plate (1-for-4 with two runs and two stolen bases) kept the Twins in contention.
Defensive and Baserunning Notes
The Yankees executed well defensively, turning a double play and committing no errors. Bellinger and Jose Caballero, who entered as a pinch-runner for Stanton, each stole a base, with Caballero’s steal in the ninth setting up a potential insurance run that didn’t materialize. Judge, however, was caught stealing in the eighth, a rare misstep for the slugger.
The Twins’ baserunning was a key factor, with their four stolen bases keeping the pressure on. However, they stranded six runners, including two in scoring position, which proved costly in their comeback bid.
Pitching Breakdown
Schlittler’s outing was a mixed bag, as he allowed three hits and a homer but struck out six. His five walks inflated his pitch count, forcing him out after 89 pitches. Leiter’s scoreless relief was a turning point, and Williams and Bednar’s late-inning work ensured the Yankees held on.
For the Twins, Matthews’ struggles set the tone early, as he threw just 61 pitches, 40 for strikes, while allowing 11 hits. Relievers Cody Laweryson, Thomas Hatch, Genesis Cabrera, and Michael Tonkin limited the damage, with Hatch tossing two scoreless innings and Tonkin retiring Volpe in the ninth to keep the game close.
Looking Ahead
The win improved the Yankees to 84-67, maintaining their grip on the top wild-card spot. They’ll look to secure the series in Wednesday’s finale, with right-hander Luis Gil (4-1, 2.83 ERA) taking the mound. Gil has been stellar, allowing two runs or fewer in each of his last seven starts. The Twins counter with right-hander Taj Bradley (6-7, 4.88 ERA), hoping to salvage a split in the series.
A Game of Resilience
Tuesday’s game was a microcosm of the Yankees’ season: explosive offense, shaky bullpen, and just enough grit to get the job done. For the Twins, the loss was a frustrating reminder of their struggles, as they fell to 19 games under .500. Yet their late rally showed the fight that has kept them competitive despite their record.
As the Yankees left Target Field with a hard-fought win, the focus shifted to maintaining their postseason positioning. For the Twins, the game was a reminder of their potential, even in a challenging season, as they pushed one of baseball’s top teams to the brink. In a game defined by big swings, stolen bases, and a dramatic finish, the Yankees’ ability to weather the storm ensured they’d live to fight another day.
Final Score: Yankees 10, Twins 9 WP: Mark Leiter Jr. (6-7) LP: Zebby Matthews (4-6) SV: David Bednar (25) Time of Game: 3:12 Attendance: 28,432
With the postseason looming, the Yankees’ ability to survive such games will be critical. For now, they’ll take the win, however harrowing, and move forward in their quest for October.
Felix Pantaleon is The Founder of NYYNEWS.com The First & Oldest Independent New York Yankees Content Creator Platform, Since 2005.Follow on Social Media
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