Bronx, NY — The Oakland Athletics staged a late comeback Wednesday night, edging the New York Yankees 3–2 behind a clutch ninth-inning sacrifice fly from Brent Rooker.
The rally began when Nick Kurtz opened the ninth with a single off David Bednar. Shea Langeliers followed with a double, setting the stage for Rooker, who lifted a deep fly ball to center field that easily brought Kurtz home with the go-ahead run.
Oakland’s bullpen preserved the lead with a dominant effort. Elvis Alvarado recorded key outs in the eighth, and Joel Kuhnel closed the door with a flawless ninth inning, earning his second career save and first since 2022. The relief corps combined for four hitless innings after starter Luis Severino exited.
Severino, facing his former organization, worked through five innings, allowing two runs while navigating control issues that included five walks.
The Yankees struck quickly, scoring in the opening inning on three consecutive hits, capped by a soft RBI single from Cody Bellinger. A bases-loaded walk extended the early lead, but New York couldn’t add on.
Oakland evened the score in the fourth inning. Jeff McNeil, celebrating his birthday, delivered an RBI single, and a subsequent wild pitch brought home the tying run.
New York’s offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities, finishing just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Ben Rice endured a tough night at the plate, striking out four times.
Defensively, Ryan McMahon made his first career start at shortstop and handled several chances cleanly, though he went hitless.
Tensions also flared in the third inning when Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake was ejected for arguing balls and strikes.
Looking ahead, manager Aaron Boone indicated that shortstop Anthony Volpe could begin a minor league rehab assignment soon as he works back from shoulder surgery.
The series wraps up Thursday with Ryan Weathers set to take the mound for New York against Oakland’s Jeffrey Springs.
